Summary
Introduction:
In this summary, you will learn about a prospective longitudinal study examining the time-varying association between cigarette smoking and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use on the incidence of hypertension among a nationally representative sample of US adults.
Key points:
* The study uses data from the Population assessment of Tobacco and health (PaTh) Study from 2013-2019.
* The analytical sample consisted of 17,539 adults with no self-reported heart condition or previous diagnosis of hypertension or high cholesterol at baseline.
* The exposure variable was based on answers to questions about established cigarette and ENDS use, as well as everyday or someday use of cigarettes and ENDS.
* The study controlled for demographics, clinical risk factors, and smoking history.
* The outcome was self-reported incident hypertension.
* The study found that exclusive cigarette use was associated with an increased risk of self-reported incident hypertension compared with non-use.
* Exclusive ENDS use and dual use were not associated with increased hypertension risk in unadjusted or fully adjusted models.
Main message:
The study highlights the importance of using prospective longitudinal data to examine the health effects of ENDS use. The results suggest that smoking increases the risk of self-reported hypertension, but ENDS use does not. The study provides valuable information for regulators to consider when evaluating the potential health impacts of ENDS use. The findings emphasize the need to continue promoting smoking cessation among adults who smoke and to be cautious in encouraging ENDS use as part of a harm minimization strategy.
Citation
Cook S, hirschtick JL, Barnes G, et al. Time-varying association between cigarette and ENDS use on incident hypertension among US adults: a prospective longitudinal study. BMJ open. 2023;13(4):1. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062297
