Is e-cigarette use associated with coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction? Insights from the 2016 and 2017 National Health Interview Surveys

This study analyzed the National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) of 2016 (n = 33,028) and 2017 (n = 26,742) to examine whether e-cigarette use is consistently associated with myocardial infarction (MI) and coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: Surveys were examined separately and pooled. Logistic regression analysis was used, with demographics, e-cigarette use, smoking and risk factors for CHD (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes) being independent variables. Former smokers were subclassified according to quit duration (? 6 and > 6 years). RESULTS: For MI, an association was observed with some days e-cigarette (but not daily) use in the 2017 survey (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.14-3.88, p = 0.017). No statistically significant association was observed in the pooled analysis (daily e-cigarette use: OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.80-2.27, p = 0.267). For CHD, an association was observed with daily e-cigarette use in the 2016 survey (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.01-3.53, p = 0.047). From the pooled analysis, no association was found between any pattern of e-cigarette use and CHD. In single-year and pooled analysis, both MI and CHD were strongly associated with all patterns of smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and age. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled analysis of the 2016 and 2017 NHIS showed no association between e-cigarette use and MI or CHD. The associations between established risk factors, including smoking, and both conditions were remarkably consistent. The inconsistent associations observed in single-year surveys and the cross-sectional design of the NHIS cannot substantiate any link between e-cigarette use and an elevated risk for MI or CHD. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the effects of e-cigarette use on cardiovascular disease.