E-cigarette users at 19% higher risk of heart failure: study

This news has been read 737 times!

NEW YORK, April 28: A recent study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual scientific session has unveiled concerning findings regarding the correlation between e-cigarette usage and the heightened risk of heart failure. The research sheds light on a previously underexplored area within the realm of vaping and cardiovascular health.

Heart failure, a condition impacting over 64 million individuals globally, arises when the heart muscle fails to effectively pump blood throughout the body. While the causes of heart failure are multifaceted, including factors such as infection, high blood pressure, and heart attacks, the potential link between e-cigarette use and heart failure has emerged as a focal point of investigation.

Led by Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, MD, MPH, a resident physician at MedStar Health in Baltimore, the study examined data from electronic health records and surveys of more than 175,000 U.S. adults participating in the All of Us study conducted by the National Institutes of Health.

The findings revealed a concerning trend: individuals who had ever used e-cigarettes faced a 19% higher likelihood of developing heart failure compared to those who had never vaped. This revelation underscores the urgency of further research into the cardiovascular implications of e-cigarette use.

Furthermore, the study delineated that the association between e-cigarette use and heart failure risk was particularly significant in cases of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a subtype characterized by the heart’s inability to properly fill with blood due to stiffness in the muscle.

Experts emphasize that while e-cigarettes have been marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, the presence of nicotine in these products poses significant health risks, including adverse effects on heart function and cardiovascular outcomes.

Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, highlighted the deleterious effects of nicotine on heart health, emphasizing the need for increased public awareness of the dangers associated with vaping.

Jennifer Wong, MD, a board-certified cardiologist, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the potential respiratory effects of e-cigarette aerosols and their indirect impact on heart health.

As research into the cardiovascular effects of vaping continues to unfold, healthcare professionals stress the importance of educating patients about the potential risks associated with e-cigarette use and advocating for further investigations to inform preventive measures against heart failure.

The study’s authors urge for additional research, including randomized clinical trials, to validate their findings and explore the mechanisms through which e-cigarette use contributes to heart failure risk.

This news has been read 737 times!