Could E-cigarette vaping contribute to heart disease?. (1st November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kuntic, Marin; Hahad, Omar; Daiber, Andreas; Münzel, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Expert review of respiratory medicine. Volume 14:Number 11(2020)
• Page Start: 1131
• Page End: 1139
• Publication Date: 2020-11-01
• Subjects: Electronic nicotine delivery system -- cardiovascular disease -- vaping -- endothelial dysfunction -- oxidative stress -- acrolein; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.2005
• DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1807332
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-6348

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: E-cigarettes have become a controversial topic. While their benefits are questioned by the scientific community, a part of the medical profession is still supporting them as an effective harm reduction tool for smoking cessation. The impact of E-cigarettes on the cardiovascular system is still elusive. Areas covered: We assessed results from animal, pre(clinical), and epidemiological studies to critically evaluate and synthesize evidence relevant to the cardiovascular effects of E-cigarettes. Animal studies have demonstrated that E-cigarette vapor exposure can cause endothelial and cardiac dysfunction. However, there have also been reports on the less harmful effects of E-cigarette vapor exposure in comparison to classical tobacco cigarettes. Measurements of flow-mediated dilation in acute human exposure settings have mostly demonstrated that E-cigarettes cause vascular endothelial dysfunction. Epidemiological studies have shown that E-cigarette use is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, although switching from classical tobacco cigarettes to E-cigarettes can have beneficial cardiovascular effects. Misinterpretation of scientific data by activists on either side is another problem. Expert opinion: In conclusion, we need more and better (pre)clinical data comparing the health effects of E-cigarette vaping as compared with tobacco cigarette smoking, in order to counsel the legislation for better health policies.