The use of electronic cigarettes after PCI

The use of electronic cigarettes after PCI

The use of electronic cigarette is becoming increasingly popular but still, we know very little about its impact on our health.

A very recent study demonstrates that switching from traditional smoking to electronic cigarette after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be beneficial in those who are not able to stop smoking.

Among the total population of the investigated cohort (17973 patients) only 7328 (40%) successfully managed to quit smoking after PCI. During a median follow-up of 2.4 years, it was found that among those who continued to smoke, switching to electronic cigarettes was associated with 18% reduction of major cardiovascular events.

Ideally, total abstinence of any type of smoking is strongly advised for everyone. It is however implied by this study that in coronary artery disease patients, and in case of persistence to smoke, switching to e- cigarettes may reduce the overall risk.

Reference:
European Heart Journal
Prognosis after switching to electronic cigarettes following percutaneous coronary intervention: a
Korean nationwide study
Eur Heart J 2024 Oct 21;[EPub Ahead of Print]