Do e-cigarettes have less impact on cardiovascular health than combustiblecigarettes?
General Medicine, 2024, 26(3), 33-40.
A. Bivolarska1, K. Indjian2, R. Pavlova3, A. Alakidi4
1 Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University ‒ Plovdiv
2 Department of Languages and Specialized Training, Medical University ‒ Plovdiv
3 Student, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Plovdiv
4 Department of Epidemiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Sofia
Abstract. Bulgaria ranks 6th in the world for smoking prevalence (39.5%) and first in Europe. Despite a decline in combustible tobacco cigarette use to historically low levels, e-cigarette consumption is increasing significantly, especially among youth. The effects of TC on the cardiovascular system are well known. The aim of this review is to describe the short- and long-term effects of e-cigarette on the cardiovascular system known in research literature today. Are there similar or less harmful effects of tobacco cigarette? The short-term effects of e-cigarette are described as disturbances in macro- and microcirculation and potential myocardial damage. A limitation of most studies is performing research in young and healthy subjects. In addition, similar levels of physical activity, dietary intake, alcohol and drug use, or sleep patterns between users and non-users must be taken into account. Another limitation to note is the rapidly changing e-cigarette-related market, with a variety of types, flavors, types of e-liquids, etc. Further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of e-cigarette use, especially among susceptible populations such as youth.
Key words: e-cigarettes, combustible tobacco cigarettes, cardiovascular system, hemodynamics, endothelial function
Address for correspondence: Adolf Alakidi, e-mail: adolfogroup@abv.bg