Impact of ‘e-cigarettes’ on heart health a growing concern: expert
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 12: In a recent interview with Dr. Rajesh Rajan, we delved into the impact of e-cigarettes on cardiovascular health. Dr. Rajan, an esteemed figure overseeing various clinical research registries focused on heart failure, has played a pivotal role in this field.
E-cigarettes have gained popularity in recent years, with a significant increase in usage among adults and young individuals. However, concerns regarding the adverse effects of e-cigarettes on cardiovascular health have been raised. This article aims to provide an overview of the current research on the cardiovascular impact of e-cigarettes, highlighting the need for further investigation and the importance of promoting tobacco cessation strategies.
Cardiovascular effects of e-cigarettes:
Numerous studies have shown that e-cigarette use can have acute adverse effects on cardiovascular health. The inhalation of ecigarette aerosols exposes users to potentially harmful substances, including nicotine, aldehydes, and fine particles. These substances have been implicated in various pathophysiological pathways of cardiovascular disease, such as endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, sympathetic overdrive, and arterial stiffness.
Short-term effects:
A randomized controlled study called VESUVIUS assessed the vascular effects of switching from tobacco consumption to e-cigarette use. The study found significant improvements in endothelial function (flow-mediated dilatation) within just one month of switching to e-cigarettes, particularly among women. These findings suggest that e-cigarettes may serve as a smoking cessation adjunct for tobacco cigarette smokers.
Long-term effects:
While short-term studies have shown some positive effects of switching to e-cigarettes, the long-term cardiovascular impact of e-cigarette use is not fully understood. Epidemiological studies focusing specifically on the cardiovascular effects of e-cigarettes are still relatively scarce. However, early evidence suggests a potential association between e-cigarette use and an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
Recommendations:
Given the emerging public health challenge posed by e-cigarettes, it is crucial to implement evidence-based tobacco cessation strategies and regulate the sales of nicotine-related products. Healthcare professionals should provide necessary support to individuals trying to quit smoking. Additionally, conducting larger population-based studies to assess the safety and longterm effects of e-cigarettes on cardiovascular outcomes is essential.
While e-cigarettes have been marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, their impact on cardiovascular health is a growing concern. The inhalation of potentially harmful substances through e-cigarette aerosols can lead to various cardiovascular complications. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of e-cigarettes on cardiovascular health. In the meantime, promoting evidence-based tobacco cessation strategies and closely monitoring e-cigarette use patterns are crucial steps in safeguarding cardiovascular health.
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Dr. Rajan is a renowned Indian cardiologist at Al Amiri Hospital Kuwait and Chairman of the Indian Association of Clinical Cardiologists. Dr. Rajan also holds prestigious positions as the current President of the Association of MD Physicians and the Managing Editor of the esteemed Annals of Clinical Cardiology Journal by Wolters Kluwer. His contributions to the medical community are highly regarded, with notable achievements that include the invention of the RHF Risk Score calculator for heart failure patients and the development of Rajan’s and Kotevski’s modified Lipton’s classification. Beyond his groundbreaking research, Dr. Rajan has garnered recognition through various Fellowships from esteemed institutions such as the Royal College of London, Edinburgh, Ireland, and Glasgow. Moreover, he has been honored as a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the European Society of Cardiology, and the American Heart Association, further highlighting his expertise and commitment to cardiovascular health.