New research presented at the upcoming American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session suggests a possible connection between e-cigarette usage and heart failure. The study, based on data from the All of Us research program, included 175,667 individuals in the U.S., of which 28,660 reported using e-cigarettes.
The findings, not yet published in a peer-reviewed journal, showed that e-cigarette users had a 19% increase in the risk of heart failure. Additionally, those who reported using regular nicotine products along with e-cigarettes saw their risk jump by 59%. The study also highlighted a 21% increase in the risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a specific type of heart failure.
Experts caution that this research is at an early stage and more studies need to be conducted to confirm the findings. Dr. Michael Broman, a director of non-invasive cardiology, believes this research is crucial in understanding the risks of vaping, especially as e-cigarettes continue to gain popularity.
Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, a cardiologist, expressed concerns about the potential dangers of e-cigarettes, particularly related to nicotine consumption. She emphasized the need for further research to better understand the association between e-cigarette use and heart failure.
Dr. Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, one of the study’s lead authors, believes this research fills a gap in knowledge and highlights the importance of investigating the potential health consequences of e-cigarettes. However, he acknowledges the ethical challenges of conducting traditional trials due to the nature of e-cigarettes.
Overall, while the data presented in this study raises concerns about the link between e-cigarette use and heart failure, experts stress the need for more research to determine the full extent of the risks associated with vaping. They also remind the public that e-cigarette use can impact multiple parts of the body, not just the heart, including potential lung issues.