THE CARDIOVASCULAR AND PULMONARY PROBLEMS CONNECTED TO THE ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes are vaporization devices known as vapes that have a nicotine delivery system used for smoking. This study aimed to conduct a literature review on the cardiovascular and pulmonary health risks caused by the use of these cigarettes, using scientific articles obtained from the PUBMED and SCIELO databases. According to the studies, the use of electronic cigarettes has become popular among young people and its prevalence has increased among adults who want to quit smoking. The convenience, advertising, flavor and the fact that they are less harmful to health than conventional cigarettes are factors that favor smokers or people open to experimentation who are more likely to use these products. Electronic cigarettes are highly addictive, just like traditional cigarettes, and cause health problems even with acute use and are potentially carcinogenic. Formaldehyde, nickel, acetaldehyde and nitrosamines are the main carcinogenic substances in the device. Nicotine, acrolein, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, chromium and nickel are the main causes of cardiopulmonary problems. It is worth noting that there is little research related to the safety of using these devices in the long term, making the abuse of these products a concern.