Electronic cigarettes and health with special focus on cardiovascular effects: Position paper of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC)

Maryam Kavousi, Charlotta Pisinger, Jean Claude Barthelemy, Delphine De Smedt, Konstantinos Koskinas, Pedro Marques-Vidal, Demosthenes Panagiotakos, Eva Bossano Prescott, Monica Tiberi, Vassilios S. Vassiliou, Maja Lisa Løchen

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Tobacco use is the single largest preventable risk factor for premature death of non-communicable diseases and the second leading cause of cardiovascular disease. In response to the harmful effects of tobacco smoking, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has emerged and gained significant popularity over the past 15 years. E-cigarettes are promoted as safe alternatives for traditional tobacco smoking and are often suggested as a way to reduce or quit smoking. However, evidence suggests they are not harmless. Discussion: The rapid evolution of the e-cigarette market has outpaced the legislator's regulatory capacity, leading to mixed regulations. The increasing use of e-cigarettes in adolescents and young individuals is of concern. While the long-term direct cardiovascular effects of e-cigarettes remain largely unknown, the existing evidence suggests that the e-cigarette should not be regarded as a cardiovascular safe product. The contribution of e-cigarette use to reducing conventional cigarette use and smoking cessation is complex, and the impact of e-cigarette use on long-term cessation lacks sufficient evidence. Conclusion: This position paper describes the evidence regarding the prevalence of e-cigarette smoking, uptake of e-cigarettes in the young, related legislations, cardiovascular effects of e-cigarettes and the impact of e-cigarettes on smoking cessation. Knowledge gaps in the field are also highlighted. The recommendations from the population science and public health section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology are presented.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1552-1566
Number of pages15
JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology
Volume28
Issue number14
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2021
Externally publishedYes

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