Introduction
The usage of electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes) reflected an exponential hike over the past few years, especially in developed countries like the United States. These were introduced to bring down the health issues that were precipitated by conventional smoking. However, it does pose certain short-term as well as long-term effects on the health of a person. It is not a completely healthy and safe way out, though it is marketed, highlighting the benefits of electronic cigarettes over conventional ones.
What Are E-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are electronic devices that resemble a cigar in function. These are marketed in various shapes. Some resemble a regular cigarette, while some are designed to look like a pen, pencil, or pen drive. Batteries often power it. However, rechargeable and disposable models are also circulated in global markets. Unlike conventional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes do not liberate smoke.
There is a cartridge within the electronic cigarette, which encloses a specific electronic liquid. It is this liquid which, when heated, gives off aerosol (microscopic solid particles floating in the gaseous medium). The battery provides the electrical energy needed to heat up the liquid. The electronic liquids used in E-cigarettes are the source of nicotine. In addition to nicotine, it also liberates various other harmful and toxic compounds.
The aerosols are then inhaled and drawn into the lungs. Like passive or secondary smoking, electronic cigarettes also pose health challenges to secondary users. The primary user (the one who uses electronic cigarettes) breathes out some portion of the aerosol into the outside air that might be breathed in by someone close to the person who uses electronic cigarettes.
What Are the Chemicals That Are Liberated From an Electronic Cigarette?
Electronic cigarettes do not carry the risk of chemicals released during the burning process as in conventional cigarettes. That is why electronic cigarettes are claimed to be a better alternative to tobacco cigarettes. However, electronic cigarettes do give off detrimental and hazardous chemicals in the form of aerosols. Some of those chemicals include the following:
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Nicotine: It is a plant-derived product that speeds up all the metabolic processes in the body. It influences the nervous system and makes one addicted to it. It enhances the constriction and narrowing of various blood vessels. It triggers the release of specific body agents that favor the development of a condition called atherosclerosis (gathering substances within the arterial wall, thereby restricting blood flow passage).
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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Certain studies have exposed the role of VOCs in precipitating health challenges like stroke (interrupted blood flow to brain cells) and ischemic heart disease (collapsed blood flow to heart muscle).
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Carcinogenic Chemicals: Chemicals capable of inducing and evoking cell changes that potentiate cancer development.
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Particulate Matter (PM): These tiny particles are more likely to precipitate cardiovascular diseases and complications when exposed for a significant period.
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Chemical Flavorings: Most electronic cigarettes use a specific flavoring chemical called diacetyl. It is reported to be strongly associated with certain respiratory disorders that specifically affect the lungs.
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Heavy Metal Ions: Electronic cigarettes deliver heavy metal ions into the body, which in turn interfere with the heart's rhythmic beating. In addition to the heart, it also affects the lungs, kidneys, and liver. Lead, tin, and nickel ions are the frequently reported metal ions in electronic cigarette aerosol.
What Are the Cardiovascular Effects of Electronic Cigarette Use?
Though electronic cigarettes do not give off chemicals as toxic as that of tobacco smoking, it can also precipitate certain cardiovascular events. Some of the frequently reported cardiovascular conditions concerning electronic cigarettes usage include the following:
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Hypertension: The nicotine in the electronic cigarette is the chief agent responsible for bringing about pronounced blood pressure spikes. When the blood pressure overshot the normal range of 120/80 millimeters of mercury, it progresses into hypertension.
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Coronary Artery Disease: It is a specific cardiac condition where the arteries that nourish the cardiac muscles get clogged with fatty deposits. As a result, the cardiac muscles remain deprived of adequate blood and oxygen. Since the defect is in the coronary artery, it is called coronary artery disease. Nicotine and particulate matter in electronic cigarettes are the prime contributing factors to the development of coronary artery disease. In more advanced and progressed stages, coronary artery disease may bring about myocardial infarction, in which the blood supply to a specific heart area stands still.
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Cardiomyopathy: In cardiomyopathy, the muscles that form the heart acquire a more solid and inelastic nature. As a result, the blood pumping becomes more strenuous and stressful as it has to be done by overcoming the stiffness of the heart muscles. Volatile organic compounds, particularly acrolein, are responsible for triggering heart muscle changes, thereby precipitating cardiomyopathy.
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Compromised Contractility of Cardiac Muscles: The heart muscles possess certain contractile properties that facilitate a constant blood flow to all other parts of the body. The contractility of the heart muscles ensures sufficient blood flow. Particulate matter and volatile organic compounds liberated from electronic cigarettes bring down the contractility of the heart muscles and thereby collapse the blood flow.
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Thrombosis: Acrolein and particulate matter potentially increase the likelihood of developing blood clots within the blood vessels. Once such blood clots are formed, it can shut off the entire blood flow through the vessel, producing a stasis in the circulation, leading to thrombosis.
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Ventricular Arrhythmias: These are unusual and atypical heartbeats that develop due to an unexplainable rise in the beating rate. Particulate matter and volatile organic compounds are reported to trigger arrhythmias. Hence electronic cigarette usage is more likely to precipitate ventricular arrhythmias.
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Vascular Injury: Though particulate matter encompasses only tiny solid particles, it has the potential to trigger a sequence of reactions that can bring damage and insult to the blood vessels. In addition, it can also impede the reconditioning of the injury and prompt repair.
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Heart Failure: It is a grave condition where the heart fails to drive adequate blood to other vital organs in the body.
Conclusion
Electronic cigarettes are a better choice for addicted smokers who are in the process of quitting the habit. Many misunderstand electronic cigarettes as a safe alternative, but it is not. Compared with conventional tobacco cigarettes, electronic cigarettes do not pose the risk of toxic products released by burning cigarettes. However, it does not mean electronic cigarettes are free of adverse health effects. It can bring in various cardiovascular complications. Hence the use of electronic cigarettes is cautioned for small children, teenagers, and younger populations.
