The use of e-cigarettes was found to have a negative impact on the heart and lungs as the American Heart Association (AHA) calls for further research into the issue.
“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,” volunteer chair of the AHA scientific statement writing committee Jason Rose said in a new scientific statement released Monday.
“There is research indicating that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are associated with acute changes in several hemodynamic measures, including increases in blood pressure and heart rate,” he added.
The statement pointed to research that found there was a “significant association” between e-cigarette use and the development of incident respiratory disease over two years, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or asthma. The statement also said that the ingredients of e-cigarettes — even in those without nicotine — can pose health risks.
“There has also been research indicating that even when nicotine is not present, ingredients in e-cigarettes, particularly flavoring agents, independently carry risks associated with heart and lung diseases in animals,” Rose said. “Negative effects of e-cigarettes have been shown through in vitro studies and in studies of individuals exposed to chemicals in commercially available products.”
The statement noted that vitamin E acetate is the ingredient that is likely causing E-cigarette, or Vaping, product use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) hospitalizations. The statement added that more research is needed to determine the health impacts it can have on heart attacks and strokes.
I’d really like a more detailed look at the individual components of the e-liquid to see if there is any in particular that is the problem.
Higher heart rate and blood pressure for example just sounds like the nicotine. Could the nicotine also cause COPD? Propylene Glycol and vegetable glycerin are the biggest parts of most juice and both of those are said to be generally safe for human consumption. But that’s in stuff like flavored coffee, not atomized and inhaled and not in the amounts that vapers normally use.
I still think vaping will be found to be less harmful than smoking and I still credit it for helping me stop smoking. I quit vaping around 5 years ago though and one thing I have noticed is that the people I know who started vaping around the same time as me have not stopped or even stepped down the nicotine content in their juice.