Vaping and cardiac disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Public Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Tobacco smoking is a leading reversible risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are popular nicotine alternatives, but their cardiovascular risks are unclear.
• ECs are used for smoking cessation but also by non-smokers, raising public health concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on the cardiovascular risks associated with electronic cigarette use.
• To assess the potential of ECs for smoking cessation versus their inherent health risks.
• To highlight concerns regarding marijuana vaping and vaping-associated lung injury.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of human studies on ECs and cardiovascular risk factors.
• Analysis of effects on neurohumoural activation, oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial function, and thrombosis.
• Evaluation of data from existing literature and reports on vaping-related injuries.

Main Results:

• Electronic cigarettes may be less harmful than traditional cigarettes but are not risk-free.
• Evidence suggests ECs impact known cardiovascular disease risk factors.
• Concerns exist regarding marijuana vaping and the outbreak of EVALI (electronic cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury).

Conclusions:

• Electronic cigarettes present uncertain cardiovascular risks, despite potential benefits for smoking cessation.
• Improved regulation and quality control are essential before ECs can be confidently recommended by physicians.
• Further long-term outcome studies are necessary to fully understand the cardiovascular impact of vaping.