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

Bibliographic Details
Title: Electronic cigarettes and health with special focus on cardiovascular effects: position paper of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC)
Authors: Kavousi, Maryam, Pisinger, Charlotta, Barthelemy, Jean-Claude, Smedt, Delphine De, Koskinas, Konstantinos, Marques-Vidal, Pedro, Panagiotakos, Demosthenes, Prescott, Eva Bossano, Tiberi, Monica, Vassiliou, Vassilios S, Løchen, Maja-Lisa
Source: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology; 20240101, Issue: Preprints
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.
Database: Supplemental Index
More Details
ISSN:20474873
20474881
DOI:10.1177/2047487320941993
Published in:European Journal of Preventive Cardiology
Language:English