One Puff Could Spell Heart Failure
Heart failure, a condition affecting over 64 million people globally, occurs when the heart muscle cannot pump enough blood for the body. Various factors can lead to heart failure, including infections, high blood pressure, heart defects, and cigarette smoking. A recent study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual scientific session highlights a concerning finding: individuals who use e-cigarettes are at a significantly higher risk of developing heart failure compared to non-users.
Dr. Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, the lead author of the study, explains that while previous research has explored the association between vaping and cardiovascular diseases, there’s a notable gap in understanding its impact on heart failure. Given the severity of heart failure’s health consequences, identifying potential links with vaping is crucial for devising preventive measures.
The study, drawing on data from over 175,000 U.S. adults, revealed that individuals who had used e-cigarettes at any point in their lives had a 19% increased risk of developing heart failure compared to non-users. This finding aligns with previous studies indicating potential harm associated with e-cigarette use, including adverse effects on heart function observed in animal studies.
Interestingly, the study found that e-cigarette use had a more pronounced effect on a specific type of heart failure known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This form of heart failure, characterized by stiff heart muscles hindering proper blood filling, poses unique challenges in treatment compared to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen emphasizes that while e-cigarettes are often perceived as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes, the presence of nicotine in both poses risks to heart health. Nicotine can compromise heart function and exacerbate cardiovascular issues, underscoring the misconception that e-cigarettes are entirely harmless.
Dr. Jennifer Wong further elaborates on the potential mechanisms linking e-cigarette use to heart failure, citing aerosol products in e-cigarettes that may affect respiratory function and contribute to worsened heart failure. Additionally, e-cigarettes can promote inflammation and elevate lipid levels in the blood, fostering conditions like atherosclerosis, a precursor to cardiovascular diseases.
In essence, despite being marketed as safer options, e-cigarettes carry inherent risks to heart health, primarily attributable to nicotine and other components that can disrupt cardiovascular function and exacerbate existing conditions like heart failure.
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