Nicotine Tob Res

E-cigarette use linked to increased risk of COPD, hypertension

May 5, 2025

Study details: This study utilized longitudinal data from the All of Us Research Program to investigate the association between exclusive e-cigarette use, exclusive combustible cigarette use, and dual use with incident cardiometabolic conditions. A total of 249,190 individuals were included, with a follow-up period of 3.7-3.9 years. The analysis adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and BMI.

Results: Exclusive e-cigarette use was significantly associated with an increased risk of COPD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42-3.71). Among individuals aged 30-70 years, exclusive e-cigarette use was also significantly associated with hypertension (aHR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.09-1.77). No significant link was found between exclusive e-cigarette use and the following cardiometabolic conditions in the general cohort: T2DM, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and heart failure. Exclusive combustible cigarette use and dual use were strongly associated with all studied cardiometabolic conditions, with dual use showing higher risk estimates for ASCVD (aHR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.82-2.62).

Clinical impact: The findings highlight the potential health risks of e-cigarette use, particularly for COPD and hypertension in middle-aged adults. The study provides important context for healthcare providers and regulatory bodies, such as the FDA, to inform advisories and policies regarding e-cigarette use and its health risks.

Source:

Erhabor J, et al. (2025, March 15). Nicotine Tob Res. E-cigarette Use and Incident Cardiometabolic Conditions in the All of Us Research Program. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40089810/