E-cigarettes (e-cigs) have been marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes, but in reality, there is little research to support this. E-cigs are battery operated and their purpose is to mimic the experience of smoking a cigarette, according to the American College of Cardiology.
E-cigs work by heating the E-liquid which contains nicotine, solvent carriers (glycerol, propylene, and ethylene glycol) and other chemicals to a high enough temperature to create a vapor, which is inhaled and exhaled, according to the American College of Cardiology. The chemicals in the E-cigs include flavorants such as diacetyl which can cause scarring of the tiny air sacks in the lungs resulting in trouble breathing, volatile organic compounds like benzene which is found in a car exhaust, and heavy metals like nickel, tin, and lead.
A common similarity between e-cigs and traditional cigarettes is their use of nicotine as a key ingredient. Nicotine is a very addictive substance, that can create withdraws. Nicotine also raises your blood pressure which increases your chances of having a heart attack. Unlike traditional cigarettes, users of e-cigs are given the option to increase their dosage of nicotine, potentially causing an addiction.
A study by the American College of Cardiology measured the detrimental effects of e-cigs on heart health. E-cigs users are 56% more likely to have a heart attack, 30% more likely to suffer from a stroke, and 44% more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease and circulatory problems, when compared to non-users.
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