The VapeScan Study is not the only research on vaping and cardiovascular risk. Here's how it fits into the broader evidence base:
AHA Scientific Statement (2024)
Source: American Heart Association. Published in Circulation. Peer-reviewed scientific statement.
The American Heart Association's scientific statement on the cardiopulmonary impact of electronic cigarettes found that nicotine-containing e-cigarette use causes acute increases in systolic blood pressure (approximately +2 mmHg) and heart rate (+2 bpm). The AHA noted that the relative impact compared to combustible cigarettes may be lower, but the long-term effects remain unknown.
Strengths
- Comprehensive systematic review
- Published by leading cardiology authority
- Covers acute and chronic effects
Limitations
- Mostly short-term data available
- Few long-term studies existed before VapeScan
HCHS/SOL Hypertension Study (2025)
Source: Published in JACC: Advances. Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.
A prior study published in JACC: Advances found that e-cigarette ever use was associated with incident hypertension (HR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.14-1.95), and current use had an even stronger association (HR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.12-3.18). This means current e-cigarette users had approximately 89% higher risk of developing hypertension compared to non-users.
Strengths
- Large population-based cohort
- Longitudinal design (followed over time)
- Directly measured hypertension incidence
Limitations
- Hispanic/Latino population only
- Self-reported e-cigarette use
Cooling Ingredients and Arrhythmia (June 2026)
Source: Published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. American Heart Association.
A study published in June 2026 found that synthetic cooling ingredients (such as WS-23) added to e-cigarettes caused abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias) and increased cardiovascular risk measures in mice and lab-grown human heart cells. This is the first study to show that synthetic cooling agents in e-cigarettes may negatively affect heart rhythm. The effects included ventricular premature beats and increased epinephrine levels, some persisting after exposure ended.
Strengths
- First study on cooling agents and heart
- Published in top arrhythmia journal
- Both animal and human cell data
Limitations
- Animal/lab model, not human clinical
- Dosing may not match real-world use
