Doctors have raised the alarm about high levels of vaping among children worldwide, warning that e-cigarettes may be causing irreversible harm to their health. Speaking at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) annual congress in Madrid, cardiologists and researchers expressed extreme concern over the harmful effects on millions of teenagers and young people.
Prof Maja-Lisa Løchen, a senior cardiologist at the University Hospital of North Norway, highlighted that nicotine levels in e-cigarettes can be very high, raising the risk of addiction and injury to developing adolescent brains. She noted that vaping increases blood pressure and heart rate, and stiffens arteries, which could lead to long-term cardiovascular problems.
Løchen cited a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggesting that vaping increases the risk of stroke by almost a third (32%). When e-cigarettes heat liquids to higher temperatures, they can release harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, known carcinogens that can damage blood vessels and contribute to heart disease.
Experts also warned that children who quit vaping may experience nicotine withdrawal, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Prof Susanna Price, a consultant cardiologist at Royal Brompton Hospital in London, said that while the long-term cardiovascular risk is not yet known, vaping should not be considered safe. Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, said no child should be vaping and called for government action to reduce youth vaping.
Løchen called for a global ban on sales of e-cigarettes, stating that current evidence shows detrimental effects on health. The doctors urged caution as data on long-term effects is limited, but the potential for irreversible harm is clear.
