The American Heart Association is drawing attention to a growing body of scientific evidence that links chemicals found in e-cigarettes to potential cardiovascular harm. In a statement released today, the organization emphasized that e-cigarette aerosol, often misrepresented as harmless water vapor, contains a mix of chemicals, additives, sweeteners and flavoring agents, some of which are classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as harmful or potentially harmful constituents.
A study published earlier this month in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology found that synthetic cooling chemicals used in some e-cigarettes may disrupt heart rhythm, pointing to potential risks such as irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest. This adds to multiple lines of evidence showing that people who use e-cigarettes can be exposed to toxic substances like formaldehyde and heavy metals, which are linked to cardiovascular, respiratory and cancer-related health risks.
Nicotine, a highly addictive chemical in nearly all e-cigarettes, can raise blood pressure and heart rate, narrow blood vessels and force the heart to work harder. Over time, these effects can lead to heart attack, stroke and heart failure, according to the American Heart Association. One e-cigarette can contain as much or more nicotine as a pack of cigarettes, increasing the risk of addiction.
The association also addressed claims that nicotine products improve focus and memory, noting that available evidence does not support lasting cognitive benefits. Instead, research suggests that any short-term effects often reflect relief from withdrawal symptoms rather than true improvement. Over time, nicotine exposure, especially among young people, can harm brain development and is associated with changes in attention, learning and impulse control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Youth use remains a major concern, as most young people who use e-cigarettes report using flavored products, which increase the likelihood of continued use and the transition to other tobacco products. The American Heart Association supports public policies to prohibit the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco and nicotine products, including menthol, and to support quitting and prevent initiation.
“The tobacco industry relentlessly targets kids and communities with fruit-, candy- and menthol-flavored tobacco products that encourage use, facilitate addiction and increase profits,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “After decades of selling products that cause disease and death, tobacco and nicotine companies cannot be trusted to protect public health.”
For more information, visit the American Heart Association’s resources on Five Steps to Quit Smoking and Vaping and their Policy Positions.
