Study warns of health risks of e-cigarettes

A new report from the American Heart Association says research shows the health risks of e-cigarettes, but more studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of their use on the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and circulatory systems.

A researcher in the science statement highlighted the potential dangers of unknown chemicals found in e-cigarettes.

“E-cigarettes release many potentially harmful substances into the body, including chemicals and other compounds that are likely not known or understood by the user,” said Dr. Jason J. Rose, chair of the committee. writing the scientific statement. Rose is Associate Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean for Medical Science Innovation and Development at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

“Research indicates that e-cigarettes containing nicotine are associated with acute changes in several hemodynamic measures, including increases in blood pressure and heart rate,” he added.

THE CDC says “e-cigarette use is dangerous for children, teens and young adults,” and state and local authorities have accused the companies of target teenagers with attractive flavors.

“Young people are often drawn to the flavors available in these products and can develop a nicotine addiction from e-cigarette use,” Rose said. “The fact that young people believe e-cigarettes are not harmful is of great concern as they are widely available and marketed to an age group that includes many people who have never used tobacco products.”

“Equally concerning is that studies show that some young people who use e-cigarettes go on to use other tobacco products, and there is also a correlation between e-cigarette use and related disorders. substance use,” he added.

Misconceptions about the safety of e-cigarettes remain prevalent and also need to be debunked. In May 2023, the CDC noted that while e-cigarettes are Less harmful than regular cigarettes “that doesn’t mean it’s safe”.

Dr. Rose Marie Robertson, AHA Deputy Scientific and Medical Director and Co-Director of the Association Tobacco Regulatory Science Centerclaims that e-cigarette sellers misled consumers about their benefits.

“E-cigarette companies have suggested that their products are a way to quit smoking traditional cigarettes. There’s no strong evidence to support this beyond short-term benefits,” Robertson said.

“The lack of long-term scientific safety data on e-cigarette use, as well as the potential for addiction to e-cigarette products seen in young people, are among the reasons the American Heart Association does not recommend not e-cigarette use for withdrawal efforts,” she added.

The study published on Monday notes that “the long-term risks of e-cigarette use are unknown, but whether the risks of chronic use are like combustible cigarettes, or even if the risks are reduced but still present, we might not see them for decades.” “

He also highlighted a recent analysis from the National Institutes of Health’s Adult Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, which linked e-cigarette use to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. .

The American Heart Association’s editorial board also highlighted the importance of the clinical diagnosis of “lung injury associated with e-cigarette or vaping product use” (EVALI). The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initially identified EVALI as a medical condition in 2019, following approximately 2,800 e-cigarette user hospitalizations in less than a year.

Rose says that because e-cigarettes have only been around for 15 years, the United States needs more knowledge about the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes. Therefore, we must rely on shorter-term studies, molecular experiments, and animal research to determine the real risk of e-cigarette use.

“There is a need for us to expand this type of research because the adoption of e-cigarettes has grown exponentially, especially among young people, many of whom may never have used combustible cigarettes,” said he added.