Content area
Abstract
Purpose of Review
E-cigarettes (e-cigs) release toxic chemicals known to increase blood pressure (BP) levels. The effects of e-cigs on BP, however, remain unknown. Studying BP may help characterize potential cardiovascular risks of short- and long-term e-cig use. We summarized published studies on the association of e-cig use with BP endpoints.
Recent Findings
Thirteen e-cig trials (12 cross-over designs) and 1 observational study evaluated systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP). All trials included at least one e-cig arm with nicotine, 6 a no-nicotine e-cig arm, and 3 a placebo arm. SBP/DBP increased in most nicotine e-cig arms, in some non-nicotine e-cig arms, and in none of the placebo arms. The observational study followed e-cig users and nonsmokers for 3.5 years with inconsistent findings.
Summary
The use of e-cigs with and without nicotine may result in short-term elevations of both SBP and DBP. Prospective studies that investigate the long-term cardiovascular impact of e-cig use are needed.
Details
1 Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA (GRID:grid.21729.3f) (ISNI:0000000419368729)
2 Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA (GRID:grid.21729.3f) (ISNI:0000000419368729)