Association Between E-Cigarette Use and Cardiovascular Disease Among Never and Current Combustible-Cigarette Smokers

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Tobacco Control
• Public Health Research

Background:

• E-cigarette use has surged in the US, yet its cardiovascular disease (CVD) impact is unclear.
• Existing research lacks comprehensive data on the association between e-cigarette use and CVD.
• This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding e-cigarette use and cardiovascular outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between e-cigarette use and cardiovascular disease.
• To differentiate risks among never smokers, current smokers, and dual users.
• To provide evidence for public health strategies concerning novel tobacco products.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 2016-2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data.
• Included 449,092 participants with complete self-reported data.
• Defined cardiovascular disease as self-reported coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, or stroke.

Main Results:

• No significant association found between e-cigarette use and CVD in never smokers.
• Dual use (e-cigarettes + combustible cigarettes) showed a 36% higher odds of CVD.
• Increased CVD odds observed in dual users compared to exclusive combustible cigarette smokers.

Conclusions:

• Dual e-cigarette and combustible cigarette use is linked to significantly higher odds of cardiovascular disease.
• Findings underscore the importance of investigating cardiovascular risks in dual users.
• Longitudinal studies are crucial to confirm and further explore these preliminary findings.