Cardiopulmonary impacts of electronic cigarette use in young people

Abstract

Objective: To synthesize scientific evidence on the cardiovascular and respiratory impacts of electronic cigarette use among young people, highlighting health risks and current knowledge gaps. Methods: This is an integrative literature review, with searches carried out in PubMed and the Virtual Health Library (VHL), using the PICO strategy. Articles published between 2020 and 2025 were included, resulting in the final selection of 19 studies. The research was complemented with data from official documents of the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) and the Brazilian Society of Cardiology. Results: The use of electronic cigarettes by young people is associated with endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, arterial stiffness, and thrombotic risk. Respiratory findings include EVALI, bronchiolitis obliterans, asthma, pneumonia, and symptoms such as dyspnea and chest pain. The growing consumption in this population is driven by marketing strategies that make these devices attractive, serving as a gateway to nicotine dependence and conventional smoking. Final considerations: The use of electronic cigarettes poses a serious risk to the cardiopulmonary health of young people, contradicting the idea of a safe alternative. Strict regulatory policies and further studies are essential to elucidate long-term effects.