In Baltimore, Maryland, a new study presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Cardiology reveals troubling findings about the health risks associated with e-cigarette use. The study, led by Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, a physician and researcher at MedStar Health, suggests a significant link between e-cigarette use and heart failure among adults over 18 years old. The research, based on health records from the US National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program, found that those who have used e-cigarettes at any point in their lives are 19 percent more likely to experience heart failure than non-users.
Unlike a sudden heart attack, heart failure is characterized by the gradual weakening or stiffening of the heart, hindering its ability to effectively pump blood throughout the body. This prospective study is the largest of its kind examining the connection between e-cigarettes and heart failure and has yet to undergo peer review.
The study’s results raise concerns about the safety of e-cigarettes, as previous large surveys have mainly focused on younger adults with lower risks of heart-related issues. The study also highlights the need for further research to understand the specific compounds in e-cigarettes that may be causing harm to heart health.
While the study points to an association between e-cigarette use and heart failure, it falls short of establishing a definitive cause-and-effect relationship. Yu-Ming Ni, a cardiologist at the MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute in California, emphasizes the importance of continued research to uncover the potential health consequences of e-cigarette use and to better inform the public about the risks involved.
Nicotine, a highly addictive substance found in many e-cigarettes, poses additional concerns for public health. Studies have shown that even nicotine-free vapes can have harmful effects on lung tissue and blood vessels, potentially leading to heart-related issues. The study also found that individuals who both vape and smoke cigarettes face a significantly higher risk of heart failure compared to those who only vape.
Moving forward, experts are calling for more research to explore the frequency of e-cigarette use and its impact on heart health at varying exposure levels. By delving deeper into these factors, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the potential risks associated with e-cigarettes and provide valuable insights to the public. The study’s findings, soon to be published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, underscore the importance of ongoing research to address the growing concerns surrounding e-cigarette use and its impact on heart health.