“People who vape or smoke have a higher chance of getting sick.”
Philippine Heart Association – Philippine College of Cardiology (PHA-PCC) Director III Dr. Lourdes Ella Santos, made the warning during a panel discussion titled “Hope or Hype: A Rapid Fire on Insights and Breakthroughs in Preventive Cardiology” at the PHA-PCC 55th Convention and Scientific Meeting, held on May 29, 2025, at the Isla Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City.
“Every individual exposed to nicotine—whether through vaping or smoking—is at a higher risk of getting sick,” Santos said.
Her remarks were based on a clinical trial that examined patients who didn’t smoke, those who smoked, and those who vaped.
“They looked at these patients’ blood pressure, cholesterol, and brachial index after nicotine exposure. The findings showed that those who vaped or smoked experienced elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, greater myocardial burden, and more arterial stiffness,” she explained.
She added that the same patients were then asked to do treadmill exercises.
“Those who smoked and vaped both showed a similar reduction in exercise capacity after being exposed to nicotine,” she said.
What concerned Santos even more was that vapers were generally younger than smokers.
“The vapers were about 27 years old, compared to smokers, whose average age was 42,” she said.
Alarming rise of smart vapes
Santos also raised alarm over the emergence of “smart vapes” in the market.
“These smart vapes look like electronic cigarettes but come with built-in games, making them even more appealing to young users,” she said.
“What’s scary is that the earlier young people start vaping, the more time they have to develop cardiovascular disease. Many are misled into thinking vaping exposes them to less nicotine, but that doesn’t reduce the long-term risk,” she added.
Santos concluded with a strong stance: “There’s no benefit to vaping. Our guidelines and recommendations will continue to discourage e-cigarette use.”
Dr. Lourdes Ella Santos
