Heated Tobacco Products and cardiovascular disease

EHN’s new position paper on Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) and cardiovascular disease shows that HTPs are particularly harmful to the cardiovascular system as they increase the heart rate and blood pressure (similar to conventional cigarettes).  HTPs have similar devastating effects on cardiovascular health as conventional cigarettes.

Here are EHN’s recommendations on Heated Tobacco Products:

• A clear definition of HTPs is imperative.
• Users of HTPs suffer from similar, devastating effects on cardiovascular health as conventional cigarettes. They can therefore not be recommended as safe alternatives, nicotine replacement therapies or quit aids.
• HTPs produce second-hand smoke, both indoors and outdoors and can therefore not be considered safe for non-users
• Considering the similarities in CVD outcome in users of HTPs and conventional cigarettes, both should be subject to the full effect of the Tobacco Products Directive. In countries where the TPD does not apply, HTPs should be subject to the same smoke free legislation
• Considering the similarities in CVD outcome in users of HTPs and conventional cigarettes, taxes and excise duties on HTPs should be at the same level as for conventional cigarettes.