Nicotine and the cardiovascular system: unmasking a global public health threat
A recent arctile, published in the European Heart Journal by Prof. Thomas Münzel et al., warns that all nicotine-containing products – both combustible and non-combustible – pose significant risks to cardiovascular health, with the rapid rise of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches threatening progress in tobacco control, particularly among young people. Presenting 12 evidence-based key messages, the paper identifies nicotine itself as a direct cardiovascular toxin, outlining its vascular and metabolic harms, the risks of passive exposure, and the mechanisms linking nicotine use to cardiovascular disease and mortality. The statement calls for comprehensive and consistent regulation of all nicotine products to complement upcoming EU tax measures and help prevent a new generation of nicotine addiction.
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Florian A Wenzl