Recent reports paint a picture of a crisis as more children start vaping. From cardiologists to researchers, health experts have expressed grave concern over the epidemic rise of e-cigarette use among teens. They discuss the potential long-term cardiovascular risks of this concerning trend. This is an issue that requires urgent and decisive action, according to Prof. Susanna Price, consultant cardiologist at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. She is currently chair of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) advocacy committee.
While the health risks associated increased vaping among children are serious, the long-term repercussions are still largely unclear. Prof. Price and cardiologists nationwide are sounding the alarm about e-cigarettes. They argue that these devices immerse users in a toxic and carcinogenic soup, many of which we don’t even know about. This unknown has caused concern among health professionals for the potential harm these substances may cause.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, speaking in support of National No Smoking Day, unequivocally declares that vaping is not without risk. She is passionate about standing up for the idea that no child or teenager should be using e-cigarettes. If vaping increases the stress on children’s cardiovascular systems, she stresses. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are difficult for quitters and losers alike. An increased heart rate and blood pressure – symptoms that are often part of illness anxiety disorder – compound the already daunting process.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine points to a deeply troubling possibility. It shows that vaping increases the chance of stroke by 32%. This alarming statistic emphasizes the immediate need for new and increased public education, particularly about the significant health risks associated with youth e-cigarette use.
Prof. Maja-Lisa Løchen, a renowned health expert, calls for an international prohibition of e-cigarette sales. Her most important point is that kids who start vaping often will get hooked on nicotine. This reliance often drives them to begin smoking combustible cigarettes. Most concerning, she adds, is the long-term damage that vaping can cause young people.
“I’m very worried – and convinced – that children and adolescents that are starting to vape now are at increased risk of irreversible harm to their health.” – Prof Maja-Lisa Løchen
E-cigarettes have only been available on the market for around 15 to 20 years. We’re still missing robust data on their long-term impacts. Prof. Price emphasizes this gap in knowledge, stating, “I think there is a push to suggest that vaping is safe but we don’t know that.”
Public health advocates have been urging the FDA to take proactive steps to prevent youth from becoming e-cigarette users in the first place. Dr. Griffiths emphasizes the need to make vaping more unattractive to young people, so as to achieve our shared goal of a smoke-free generation.
“Making vaping less appealing to young people and creating a smoke-free generation cannot come a moment too soon.” – Dr Charmaine Griffiths
As more kids try e-cigarettes every day, the public health consequences are massive. Prof. Løchen’s advocacy for a global ban reflects a growing consensus among medical professionals that immediate action is necessary to protect children’s health.
