Is Vaping Bad for Your Heart?
Vaping is bad for your lungs. After all, e-cigarettes use a battery-operated heating element to vaporize a liquid solution with ingredients that pose health concerns when inhaled into the lungs. But did you know, vaping also does a major number on your heart, too? Cardiologist Mahmoud Sharaf, MD, UnityPoint Health, says while he’s seen six cases of vaping-related heart attacks, he’s concerned that number will skyrocket with the amount of young people now vaping.
Is Vaping Better Than Smoking?
It’s a common myth that vaping is the "better" alternative, but your heart doesn't really see it that way. Smoking is a slow burn of toxins, while vaping is a high-speed delivery system for chemicals that stress your arteries. Whether it’s smoke or vapor, the end result is the same — unnecessary pressure on your heart and a much higher risk of a cardiac event.
Vaping Side Effects: Heart Attack & Stroke
“Vaping is bad for your heart. According to research from the American College of Cardiology, e-cigarette users are 19% more likely to develop heart failure compared to those who’ve never used them. Additionally, older data from the ACC indicates vapers are 56% more likely to have a heart attack and 30% more likely to suffer a stroke than non-smokers,” Dr. Sharaf says.
In simplest terms, a heart attack is when part of the heart muscle isn’t getting enough blood. In terms of stroke, there are two main types of stroke, those that block arteries and those that cause arteries to bleed. As a reminder, arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart and toward other tissues and organs.
When a heart attack occurs, immediate heart disease treatment is required. This may involve cardiac catheterization to place stents, or in more severe cases, open-heart surgery.
Can Vaping Cause Heart Problems?
Just seconds after inhaling the vapor from an e-cigarette, nicotine, other compounds and organic materials are absorbed through the skin, lining of the nose, mouth and lungs and enters the bloodstream. Generally, substances from the liquid solution stay in your body about six to eight hours. During that time, your heart is especially vulnerable. Here's how Dr. Sharaf says vaping puts your heart in danger.
- Artery stiffness: With extended e-cigarette use, nicotine and other compounds in the vaping solution (acrolein) can cause stiffness in the arteries, a contributing factor to heart attack and stroke.
- Blood clotting: The added preservatives, compounds and organic chemicals in the liquid solution negatively affect normal blood clotting function almost immediately after vaping.
- Cholesterol deposits: Vaping causes cholesterol deposits in arteries to become more unstable over time and more likely to rupture. When that happens, it can lead to clot formations in blood vessels that may cause a heart attack or stroke. To identify if these deposits are narrowing your vessels, doctors use advanced imaging like a CT angiogram or coronary angiography.
- Heart rate and hypertension: Within 30 minutes of use, vaping spikes your adrenaline, causing high blood pressure and an increased heart rate — a state known as hypertension. This immediate strain on the cardiovascular system significantly elevates the risk of a heart attack.
If you experience a racing heart after vaping, your doctor might recommend holter monitoring or a stress test to evaluate how your heart handles these adrenaline spikes. While vaping typically speeds the heart up, the persistent chemical strain can lead to an abnormal heartbeat over time.
Who Is Most at Risk While Vaping?
Vaping is dangerous at any age, but Dr. Sharaf is particularly concerned about its impact on youth. According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey (CDC), 1.63 million middle and high school students currently use e-cigarettes.
“I’ve seen heart attacks in patients in their 30s only hours after vaping,” Dr. Sharaf says. “But I’m even more concerned about the long-term effects. Teens who vape now may develop their first heart problems by their late 20s.”
Young users often don't realize current habits can lead to early signs of heart failure later in adulthood. While usage rates fluctuate, e-cigarettes remain the most common tobacco product among students.
“There’s a major delay between action and consequence,” Dr. Sharaf explains. “What you do today can dictate your health 20 years from now. If these trends continue, respiratory and cardiac problems will only become more frequent.”
Best Way to Quit Vaping: Talk to a Doctor
The evidence is clear: e-cigarettes pose serious cardiovascular risks that can lead to life-altering heart attacks and strokes. This is especially true for younger users who may face debilitating heart problems decades earlier than expected.
Whether you’re a current vaper looking for a way to quit, or you’re concerned about a loved one's habits, taking action today is the best way to prevent long-term health complications.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor today for a heart screening to assess your current cardiovascular health. Together with your provider, you can discuss personalized strategies to stop vaping and develop a heart-healthy plan that protects your future.