E-cigarettes are devices that heat liquid solutions to a high temperature that produces a vapor that you can inhale. E-cigarettes have recently been advertised as a healthier alternative to smoking. Though in some ways that might be true, there’s also another side of the story. Findings are very controversial for the effect of e-cigarettes on the heart’s health.
E-cigarettes vs traditional cigarettes
Many have turned to e-cigarettes to quit smoking. Some have found that e-cigarettes are:
- Less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
- Contain fewer numbers and lower levels of toxic substances than traditional cigarettes.
- May help adults who smoke traditional cigarettes quit or reduce their smoking habit.
However, that doesn’t mean that they’re good for you. Recent studies show that e-cigarettes might not be the great alternative that we think. They actually have a detrimental effect on the heart!
E-cigarettes and heart health
In 2018 the CDC did a study on e-cigarette use and the effect on the heart. The results were alarming!
The study found that like traditional tobacco cigarette smoking, “e-cigarette use delivers small aerosol particles which may be linked to cardiovascular disease.” Research found that e-cigarette users were at a “56% greater risk for having a heart attack and were 30% more likely to suffer a stroke.” Use of e-cigarettes also attributed to a “10% higher risk for CAD and a 44% higher chance to develop circulatory problems such as blood clots.” Those who use e-cigarettes were also found to be twice as likely to suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
“When the risk of heart attack increases by as much as 55% among e-cigarettes users compared to nonsmokers, I wouldn’t want any of my patients nor my family members to vape. When we dug deeper, we found that regardless of how frequently someone uses e-cigarettes, daily or just on some days, they are still more likely to have a heart attack or coronary artery disease,” Vindhyal, the study leader, said in a statement.
How to Quit E-cigarettes
The first step in quitting e-cigarettes is to commit to it and choose a goal for when to quit. You’ll need some time to prepare yourself and be confident about quitting, but don’t put it off for too long, either.
Choose a date that won’t be stressful (like final exams or when a project is due) and create your own personalized quit plan to help you stay motivated.
There will be challenges along the way, so learn what triggers you to vape and avoid those situations as best as possible. Prepare for cravings and withdrawal symptoms and how you plan to handle them successfully.
It can also help to visualize yourself vape-free and what life will be like after reaching your goals. Building a team of friends to support you while you’re quitting can also go a long way.
Smokefree offers a variety of tools to help you reach your goals of being vape-free and smoke-free, so give them a visit.
Conclusion
The facts are bleak! E-cigarettes truly are damaging to your heart’s health. The best option is to quit smoking all together. Smoking is the only completely controllable factor that contributes to your heart health. Whether or not you smoke is completely up to you. Be good to your heart and turn away from all types of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Consequently, your overall health will be better, but especially your heart health!