Impact of electronic cigarette use on blood pressure: A systematic review

The use of electronic cigarettes has increased significantly. Initially marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, these devices have sparked growing concerns about their impact on cardiovascular health, particularly in contributing to the rise in hypertension.

The objective is to review the available evidence on the effects of electronic cigarettes on blood pressure (BP) and other cardiovascular outcomes.

This is a systematic review conducted in accordance with PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines, including observational and randomized clinical trials comparing electronic cigarette users with non-users or traditional cigarette users. Participant demographics, intervention characteristics, device usage duration, and primary outcomes were evaluated.

The systematic review analyzed data from seven studies exploring the relationship between electronic cigarette use and hypertension. The findings revealed consistent evidence of adverse effects on BP and other cardiovascular outcomes. The primary outcomes included changes in systolic and diastolic BP, while secondary outcomes focused on other cardiovascular effects such as heart rate. Data synthesis considered study quality, population heterogeneity, and confounding factors like concurrent nicotine use.

Contrary to the widespread belief that electronic cigarettes are a healthier alternative to traditional smoking, current evidence suggests significant adverse cardiovascular effects, including an increased risk of hypertension. This finding is critical for public health authorities when formulating guidelines and strategies to regulate nicotine-containing electronic devices.