Baku: In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal BMC Public Health, researchers have found a significant association between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the study analyzed data from 12 observational studies involving large population samples to assess the link between vaping and cardiovascular outcomes, considering traditional cigarette smoking as a factor.
The analysis revealed that e-cigarette users had 53% higher odds of experiencing a myocardial infarction compared to non-users. Notably, former cigarette smokers who currently use e-cigarettes showed more than double the odds of a heart attack. These findings raise concerns about the cardiovascular safety of e-cigarettes, challenging the perception of them as risk-free alternatives.
Cigarette smoking has long been recognized as a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and stroke. In response, the tobacco industry introduced electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), commonly known as e-cigarettes or ‘vapes,’ promoting them as tools to reduce harm and assist smoking cessation.
These devices vaporize nicotine-containing liquids, which typically consist of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavoring agents. When heated, propylene glycol can produce aldehydes and other reactive compounds known to contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Despite the rapid global adoption of e-cigarettes, their cardiovascular safety remains a topic of debate. Human studies have yielded mixed results, with some suggesting lower risk for exclusive vapers, while others have been limited by cross-sectional designs, residual confounding due to smoking history, or potential conflicts of interest related to the industry.
To address these issues, a comprehensive analysis that accounts for conventional cigarette smoking is necessary to clarify the independent cardiovascular risks associated with vaping. The present study filled this gap by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) following the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, treating conventional cigarette smoking as a key confounder and subgroup variable.