Vaping & Heart Health: What You Need to Know

Over the last several years, there’s been a significant increase in the number of people, specifically young people, using e-cigarettes and vapes. As that number grows, so does the evidence that these devices can be harmful to your heart and overall health.

In a recent study by the American Heart Association, Dr. Jason J. Rose, an associate professor of medicine and the associate dean of innovation and physician science development at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, stated, “E-cigarettes deliver numerous substances into the body that are potentially harmful, including chemicals and other compounds that are likely not known to or understood by the user.”

There are many chemicals in e-cigarettes that we still don’t know about that have been causing lung injuries and deaths. In 2020, the CDC reported 2,807 cases of vaping-related lung injuries that contributed to 68 deaths. This number will only continue to increase as more people begin vaping.

Also, nicotine is the primary agent in vapes, which is highly addictive. According to Hopkins Medicine, it raises your blood pressure and spikes adrenaline, thus increasing your heart rate and likelihood of having a heart attack. 

Along with the information above, the most concerning aspect of this trend is that it’s extremely popular amongst middle and high school students. The 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey reported more than 2 million teens in the U.S. reported using e-cigarettes. Use of vaping at a young age can lead them to try other traditional tobacco products down the line, further increasing their risk for heart-related issues and disease.

If you or your child is struggling with addiction to or use of vapes or e-cigarettes, we recommend discussing this with your general practitioner to determine if you need to consult a cardiologist or other specialist.