The role and impact of electronic cigarettes continues to provoke a major public health debate in Europe and beyond. This updated EHN paper focuses on the effects of e-cigarette use on the cardiovascular system. It also presents information on trends in use of e-cigarettes, as well as marketing and regulation. Furthermore, it discusses the distinction between absolute and relative risk.
Effects of e-cigarettes on the cardiovascular system
With respect to the short-term impact of e-cigarette use on the cardiovascular system, the evidence is mixed. However, short-term e-cigarette use is likely less harmful to the cardiovascular system than smoking conventional cigarettes.
Long-term effects on the cardiovascular system are unknown. The lack of evidence for long-term effects, however, cannot be interpreted as no effect.
There is an urgent need for more studies to elucidate the long-term effects of e-cigarette use on the cardiovascular system, as well as whether e-cigarette use is less hazardous to cardiovascular health than conventional cigarette smoking in the longer term.
In the meantime, and based on the evidence that is currently available, it can be concluded that e-cigarette use is of real cardiovascular health concern.