The American Heart Association is drawing attention to mounting scientific evidence that e-cigarettes pose significant risks to cardiovascular health, countering perceptions that vaping is a harmless alternative to smoking. In a statement released Monday, the organization highlighted studies linking chemicals found in e-cigarette aerosol to heart rhythm disruptions, oxidative stress, and damage to blood vessel function.
A study published earlier this month in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology found that synthetic cooling chemicals used in some e-cigarettes may disrupt heart rhythm, increasing risks of irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest. This adds to a growing body of research showing that users are exposed to toxic substances such as formaldehyde and heavy metals, which are linked to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Nicotine, a key ingredient in nearly all e-cigarettes, raises blood pressure and heart rate, narrows blood vessels, and forces the heart to work harder. Over time, these effects can lead to heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, according to the American Heart Association. The organization also noted that one e-cigarette can contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes, heightening addiction risks.
Dr. Jason J. Rose, a volunteer with the American Heart Association and professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, emphasized that while the health threats of traditional tobacco are well-known, the risks of newer products are still being uncovered. “A growing body of research shows that people who use e-cigarettes can be exposed to chemicals that can harm the heart and blood vessels,” he said.
The association also addressed claims that nicotine improves cognitive function, stating that available evidence does not support lasting benefits. Instead, nicotine exposure, especially among youth, can harm brain development and is associated with changes in attention, learning, and impulse control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Youth use remains a major concern, with most young users opting for flavored products that increase the likelihood of continued use and progression to other tobacco products. The American Heart Association supports policies to prohibit the sale of all flavored tobacco and nicotine products, including menthol, and advocates for access to evidence-based cessation tools.
“The tobacco industry relentlessly targets kids and communities with fruit-, candy- and menthol-flavored tobacco products that encourage use, facilitate addiction and increase profits,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “After decades of selling products that cause disease and death, tobacco and nicotine companies cannot be trusted to protect public health.”
The association also points to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's classification of e-cigarette aerosol constituents as harmful or potentially harmful, and highlights research showing that inhaling aerosol can contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. These findings come as federal and state officials weigh whether to allow e-cigarettes and other nicotine products on the U.S. market.
For more information on the health effects of e-cigarettes, visit the American Heart Association's resources on menthol tobacco marketing and five steps to quit smoking and vaping.
