Health implications forecast for electronic cigarette users

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes have rapidly gained popularity in the tobacco market, primarily among young adults. Marketers exploit the lack of evidence regarding their health effects and label them as a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. Our study aims to expand the existing body of evidence on their impact on the human body. Objective: To identify the most significant characteristics of individuals using electronic cigarettes based on statistical analysis of clinical and laboratory examination data. Materials and Methods. The study included 102 participants (main group – 66 individuals using electronic cigarettes as an alternative form of smoking; control group – 36 individuals who did not use electronic or industrial cigarettes) aged 20 to 35 years. Each participant provided written informed consent to participate. Patient examinations included the following parameters: height, weight, body mass index (BMI) calculation; measurement of blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, and respiratory rate; throat swab collection. Results. According to our data, individuals in the main group had higher height, weight, and BMI values. A higher BMI may be associated with excessive stimulation of salivary glands and, consequently, increased gastric secretion and appetite stimulation. Electronic cigarette users had significantly higher blood pressure levels compared to the control group. Users of nicotine delivery systems in throat swabs had significantly higher levels of mucus, coccal flora, and neutrophil percentage, indicating the presence of bacterial agents in the oral cavity mucosa. This may be related to bacterial agents’ dissemination through nicotine delivery devices. We conducted multiple logistic regression analysis with potential patient characteristics. Conclusions. Electronic cigarette users are characterized by higher height, weight, BMI, blood pressure levels compared to non-smoking peers, as well as reduced adaptation potential and a prevalence of parasympathetic nervous system regulation. It was found that a typical electronic cigarette user is a male (OR = 15.9364) with reduced IFZ – adaptive potential of functional abilities (OR = 7.8128) and an abnormal amount of oral cavity flora (OR = 1.7748).