Smoking and Cardiovascular Risk: Impact of Chronic Exposure to Nicotine

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15951925260413

• Palavras-chave: Smoking; Cardiovascular risk; Electronic cigarette; Nicotine; Endothelial dysfunction; Oxidative stress; Vaporization.

• Keywords: Smoking; Cardiovascular risk; Electronic cigarette; Nicotine; Endothelial dysfunction; Oxidative stress; Vaporization.

• Abstract:

  Smoking remains one of the main modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and is responsible for significant global morbidity and mortality. In recent years, the rise of electronic vaporization devices, such as electronic cigarettes (ENDS), has raised concerns about their potential adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. This literature review aimed to analyze the impacts of chronic exposure to nicotine, from both combustible cigarettes and electronic devices, on cardiovascular parameters. We included studies published in the last five years, indexed in PubMed, which addressed aspects such as endothelial function, vascular inflammation, oxidative stress and hemodynamic alterations. The findings indicate that acute and chronic exposure to nicotine, including through ENDS, promotes increases in blood pressure and heart rate, increased arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction, mechanisms associated with sympathetic activation, oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability. Although ENDS present a potentially lower cardiovascular risk than traditional cigarettes, their deleterious effects are evident, especially among regular users. Thus, the data reinforces the need for stricter regulation and prevention strategies that include both smoking cessation and the reduction of harm related to emerging electronic devices.