New report shows impact of e-cigarettes on heart, lungs, brain

As the number of young people using e-cigarettes continues to rise, a new science report highlights growing evidence that vaping may pose risks to human health.

The report, a scientific statement from the American Heart Association, emphasizes the need for more research to determine the long-term impact of these devices on the heart and lungs.

Published Monday in the journal Circulation, the statement provides an overview of the latest usage data and scientific evidence related to e-cigarette use. It underscores the potential health effects associated with the delivery of various harmful substances into the body through e-cigarettes.

Dr. Jason J. Rose, chair of the statement writing committee and an associate professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, expressed concerns about the potential risks of e-cigarette use. "E-cigarettes deliver numerous substances into the body that are potentially harmful, including chemicals and other compounds that are likely not known to or understood by the user," he stated in a news release. The statement points out that vaping devices can deliver nicotine, which is highly addictive and has negative health effects. Additionally, these devices can be used to deliver substances such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, as well as methamphetamine, methadone, vitamins and other chemicals.

The liquids used in e-cigarettes contain various components, including flavouring agents, cooling agents, sweeteners, and metals from the heating coil. Dr. Rose highlighted that young people are particularly attracted to the flavours offered by these products and can develop nicotine dependence through e-cigarette use. He emphasised that the long-term risks of e-cigarettes remain largely unknown and may take decades to become apparent. Furthermore, studies have shown a correlation between e-cigarette use and substance use disorders, as well as an increased risk for respiratory diseases, including EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury).

The scientific statement points to research linking nicotine-containing e-cigarettes to acute changes in blood flow, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Flavouring agents in e-cigarettes independently carry risks associated with heart and lung diseases, both in animal studies and studies of individuals exposed to commercially available products.

While e-cigarette companies position their products as aids to quit smoking traditional cigarettes, experts point out the lack of strong evidence supporting this claim beyond short-term benefits. Limited studies have examined the impact of e-cigarette use on heart attacks and strokes, with a recent analysis cited in the report revealing a significant association between former or current e-cigarette users and the development of respiratory diseases within two years of use.

The writing committee behind the scientific statement recommends that future research focus on the long-term effects of e-cigarette use on the heart, blood vessels, and lungs. The statement also calls for studies involving individuals with pre-existing cardiopulmonary diseases, comparing the effects of e-cigarette use with traditional smoking and assessing the impact on those who use both forms of nicotine delivery.

Dr. Rose stressed the need for expanded research, particularly considering the exponential adoption of e-cigarettes, especially among young people who may have never used combustible cigarettes.