Is electronic cigarette use a risk factor for stroke? a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction:
This text reviews a scientific study that aimed to determine if electronic cigarette use is a risk factor for stroke. The study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical epidemiology studies. It included six cross-sectional studies with a total of 1,134,896 participants.

Key Points:

* The study found that e-cigarette use was associated with a 1.25 times higher odds ratio (OR) of stroke occurrence compared to non-users (95% CI: 1.01--1.55).
* There was significant heterogeneity in the results, with an I^2 value of 96.6% (p<0.001).
* Subgroup analysis revealed that the pooled OR of stroke occurrence in e-cigarette only users was 1.13 (95% CI: 0.99--1.29) compared to neither e-cigarette nor combustible cigarette users.
* Compared to combustible cigarette only users, the pooled OR of stroke occurrence in both e-cigarette and combustible cigarette users was 1.39 (95% CI: 1.19--1.64).
* The pooled OR in currently e-cigarette only users who were formerly combustible cigarette only users was 1.59 (95% CI: 1.22--2.07).
* The study's conclusions were limited by the strong effect of prior tobacco use as a risk factor for stroke in the included studies.
* The study highlights the need for cohort studies that include e-cigarette users with no history of tobacco use to confirm if e-cigarettes are an independent factor for stroke.

Main Message:
The study found that e-cigarette use was associated with a higher odds ratio of stroke occurrence compared to non-users. however, due to the strong effect of prior tobacco use as a risk factor for stroke, the study's conclusions were limited. The study highlights the need for further research to determine if e-cigarettes are an independent risk factor for stroke. In the meantime, it is recommended that individuals consider quitting smoking or nicotine use altogether as a better way to reduce organ injuries.

Zhao K, Li J, Zhou P, Xu L, Yang M. Is electronic cigarette use a risk factor for stroke? a systematic review and meta-analysis. Tobacco induced diseases. 2022;20:101. doi:10.18332/tid/154364