Hassan M, Vinagolu-Baur J, Li V, Frasier K, Herrick G, Scotto T, Rankin E. E-cigarettes and arterial health: A review of the link between vaping and atherosclerosis progression. World J Cardiol 2024; 16(12): 707-719 [DOI: 10.4330/wjc.v16.i12.707]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Vivian Li, DO, MMS, Doctor, Department of Medicine, Nuvance Health, Vassar Brothers Medical Center, 45 Reade Pl, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, United States. livivian23@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Article-Type of This Article
Minireviews
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Cardiol. Dec 26, 2024; 16(12): 707-719 Published online Dec 26, 2024. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v16.i12.707
E-cigarettes and arterial health: A review of the link between vaping and atherosclerosis progression
Muhammad Hassan, Julia Vinagolu-Baur, Vivian Li, Kelly Frasier, Grace Herrick, Tiffany Scotto, Erica Rankin
Muhammad Hassan, Vivian Li, Kelly Frasier, Department of Medicine, Nuvance Health, Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, United States
Julia Vinagolu-Baur, Department of Medical Education, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States
Grace Herrick, Department of Medical Education, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, AL 36303, United States
Tiffany Scotto, Department of Medicine, University of Florida Health, Jacksonville, FL 32209, United States
Erica Rankin, Department of Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, United States
Author contributions: Hassan M and Frasier K designed the research study; Hassan M and Vinagolu-Baur J performed the research; Li V, Hassan M, Vinagolu-Baur J, Frasier K, Herrick G, Scotto T, and Rankin E drafted the original manuscript; Li V, Vinagolu-Baur J, Herrick G, Scotto T, and Rankin E reviewed and edited the manuscript; All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Vivian Li, DO, MMS, Doctor, Department of Medicine, Nuvance Health, Vassar Brothers Medical Center, 45 Reade Pl, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, United States. livivian23@gmail.com
Received: July 20, 2024 Revised: September 5, 2024 Accepted: September 10, 2024 Published online: December 26, 2024 Processing time: 128 Days and 15.4 Hours
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested an evolving understanding of the association between vaping, specifically electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, and the progression of atherosclerosis, a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease. Despite the prevailing perception of vaping as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, accumulating evidence suggests that the aerosols emitted by e-cigarettes contain harmful constituents that may promote endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia—key mechanisms implicated in atherosclerosis pathogenesis. While past research, including experimental studies and clinical investigations, has shed light on the potential cardiovascular risks associated with vaping, gaps in knowledge persist. Future research endeavors should focus on interpreting the long-term effects of vaping on atherosclerosis development and progression, exploring the impact of different e-cigarette formulations and user demographics, and identifying effective strategies for mitigating the cardiovascular consequences of vaping. By identifying and addressing these research gaps, we can enhance our understanding of the cardiovascular implications of vaping and inform evidence-based interventions and policies to safeguard public health.
Core Tip: E-cigarette use has been linked to various cardiovascular risks, including the progression of atherosclerosis. Despite the perception of vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, evidence suggests that e-cigarette aerosols contain harmful substances that contribute to endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia. These mechanisms are crucial in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. This review explores multiple facets of e-cigarettes and arterial health, focusing on the connection between vaping and atherosclerosis progression. It presents up-to-date evidence on pathophysiology and significant clinical implications, the impact of various constituents, and discusses contemporary public health strategies.
