Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases among Electronic and Combustible Cigarette Users

INTRODUCTION: Combustible cigarette use is associated with an increased risk of several cardiovascular diseases; however, less is known about associations between these cardiovascular conditions and electronic cigarette use. METHODS: This study investigated relationships between electronic and/or combustible cigarette use and diagnoses of cardiovascular diseases using the National Health Interview Survey from 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. RESULTS: Compared to non-users, dual users of electronic and combustible cigarettes had increased likelihood of having prior diagnoses of hypertension (OR 1.660, 95% CI = 1.519–1.814), stroke (OR 2.396, 95% CI = 2.011–2.855), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.219, 95% CI = 1.108–1.341), coronary artery disease (OR 2.211, 95% CI = 1.837–2.660), and myocardial infarction (OR 3.839, 95% CI = 3.232–4.560). Exclusive use of electronic cigarettes was associated with an increased likelihood of having hypertension compared to non-users (OR 1.244, 95% CI = 1.048–1.477). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in diagnoses of stroke, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, or myocardial infarction among exclusive electronic cigarette users compared to non-users; however, these associations could change as young electronic cigarette users with hypertension age, indicating the need for continued research.