The American Heart Association warns that growing scientific evidence links e-cigarette chemicals to potential cardiovascular harm, countering the misconception that vaping is harmless. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, e-cigarette aerosol often contains harmful or potentially harmful constituents, including formaldehyde and heavy metals, which are associated with heart and blood vessel damage.
A study published this month in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology found that synthetic cooling chemicals in some e-cigarettes may disrupt heart rhythm, increasing risks of irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest. Jason J. Rose, M.D., M.B.A., an American Heart Association volunteer and professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, noted that research shows e-cigarette users are exposed to chemicals that can harm the heart and blood vessels.
Nicotine, present in nearly all e-cigarettes, raises blood pressure and heart rate, narrows blood vessels, and forces the heart to work harder, potentially leading to heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. One e-cigarette can contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes, fueling addiction. The American Heart Association emphasizes that nicotine also contributes to peripheral artery disease and blood clotting.
Claims of cognitive benefits from nicotine are unsupported; research suggests any short-term attention changes reflect relief from withdrawal rather than true improvement. Among youth, nicotine exposure harms brain development, affecting attention, learning, and impulse control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most youth who vape use flavored products, which increase continued use and the likelihood of transitioning to other tobacco products.
As policymakers evaluate e-cigarette regulations, the American Heart Association supports prohibiting all flavored tobacco and nicotine products, including menthol, and promoting evidence-based cessation tools. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, stated that tobacco companies cannot be trusted to protect public health, and no tobacco or nicotine product can be considered safe.
For more information on quitting, visit Five Steps to Quit Smoking and Vaping and the American Heart Association's Menthol Tobacco Marketing Targets resource.
