Europe (Enmaeya News) – December 18, 2025
The European Society of Cardiology has warned that nicotine is toxic to the heart and blood vessels, regardless of how it is consumed—whether through e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, hookahs, or traditional cigarettes—based on a comprehensive analysis of specialized studies on the harms of nicotine products.
In a statement regarding the report published in the European Heart Journal, the Society said: “No product containing nicotine is safe for the blood vessels or the heart.”
Thomas Munzel, from Mainz University Hospital and one of the lead authors of the report, said: “The narrative of ‘safe nicotine’ must end.”
He added, “We consistently observe high blood pressure, vascular damage, and an increased risk of heart disease from cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches,” noting that the findings showed nicotine alone—even without the toxic combustion products, tar, or free radicals found in cigarette smoke—causes damage to the heart and blood vessels.
Experts indicated that the long-term effects of modern products remain unknown and require further research, especially since many users combine cigarettes with other products, making it difficult to determine the impact of each product individually.
The report highlighted the significant rise in the use of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
It confirmed that e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches are not effective quitting tools; rather, they often serve as an introduction to smoking and lead to concurrent use with cigarettes. The report noted that three-quarters of young people using e-cigarettes had never smoked before, emphasizing that addiction is exacerbated by regulatory gaps, heavy advertising on social media, and appealing flavors such as mango or cotton candy.
The report also warned of the dangers of secondhand exposure, stating that inhaling the vapor or smoke from e-cigarettes, hookahs, and heated tobacco can damage blood vessels even in non-smokers.
