Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: I t often takes time to accumulate enough evidence to deem causal hypotheses plausible truths.Since the introduction of e-cigarettes about a decade ago, studies assessing their potential health effects have resulted in a weak evidence base for causal links to several important clinical outcomes.1 Specifically, according to the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine's summary of available evidence on e-cigarettes and their health consequences, there is insufficient evidence to conclude whether e-cigarette use is associated with increased risk of clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). 1 This lack of evidence, unfortunately, may easily be misconstrued by consumers as an absence of harm.As a result, the direction of e-cigarette regulatory policy and healthcare recommendations remains subject to seemingly endless controversy and debate.There is one view that e-cigarettes may be less harmful nicotine delivery vehicles than traditional cigarettes, with potential utility for smoking cessation.Their possible use as quit devices is supported by the results of a recent randomised trial that showed e-cigarettes to be more effective for smoking cessation than nicotine-replacement therapy, when both were accompanied by behavioural support. 2 However, in addition to the need for more trials to ascertain reproducibility of these findings, concerns remain about the safety of e-cigarettes.Because 'safer than cigarettes' does not necessarily mean safe, there are those who hold the opposing precautionary viewpoint that these products should be tightly regulated in view of lingering concerns about their long-term health effects.
Source: European Cardiology Review
Institutions: American Heart Association, Johns Hopkins University
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,146
OpenAlex ID: W2996247183