Scientists Have Compared The Harm Of Hookah, Conventional And Electronic Cigarettes

Scientists have compared the harm of hookah, conventional and electronic cigarettes

This is the first time such a comparison is made. There is still insufficient data to estimate the increased risk of certain diseases caused by e-cigarettes.

Photo: Connor Danylenko / Pexels

Scientists for the first time compared the harm caused to people by smoking cigarettes, hookahs and electronic cigarettes. They reviewed the available research and published it in the European Heart Journal.

A review of studies found that smoking cigarettes increases the stiffness of the arteries (a risk factor for cardiovascular disease) by 10%, hookah by 9%, and e-cigarettes by 7% compared to non-smokers.

Three dangerous myths about e-cigarettes

Vaping is still popular in many countries, primarily due to serious misconceptions about its benefits.

Read the article

Based on this, the authors point out that there is reason to claim that smoking vapes and hookah affects the function of the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelium) in much the same way as conventional cigarettes. They note that, in fact, these changes can be called asymptomatic atherosclerosis. Most likely, its development is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation under the influence of toxic substances.

The authors of the review point out that although the number of studies on the harm of hookahs and e-cigarettes to the heart and blood vessels with the participation of humans is limited, and their results are contradictory, quite unambiguous results have been obtained in studies on animals. German scientists believe that the widespread use of electronic cigarettes and hookahs over time will lead to a noticeable increase in the number of cardiovascular diseases.

The data on the dangers of smoking on the respiratory system were more impressive. Compared to non-smokers, chronic obstructive heart disease (COPD) developed in those who smoke regular cigarettes 704% more often, hookah - 218%, e-cigarettes - 194%. The risk of lung cancer caused by smoking cigarettes and hookah increased by 1210% and 122%, respectively. There is still not enough scientific evidence to draw similar conclusions about e-cigarettes.

In the findings of the study, scientists note that quitting smoking is the surest way to prevent diseases associated with this habit. They emphasize that this is especially important in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is increasing in severity amid chronic lung and heart disease.