According to Vietnamese media outlet Vnexpress, a Vietnamese man experienced chest pain two days after using an e-cigarette and was diagnosed with pericarditis through ultrasound and CT scans. Doctors attributed his pericarditis to the use of e-cigarettes.
According to Dr. Tran Duc Minh, a licensed pathologist in the field of cardiology at Tam Anh Hanoi hospital, the chemicals found in e-cigarettes can impede the flow of oxygen and exacerbate the inflammation process, leading to lung diseases. Moreover, these chemicals have the potential to cause pericarditis and damage the endothelium of blood vessels, resulting in plaque buildup within the arteries. If this continues over the long term, it may lead to narrowed blood vessels, vascular blockages, and ultimately, a myocardial infarction.
40% of patients with pericarditis have pericardial effusion, and a large amount of effusion can compress the heart. In such cases, patients need to be hospitalized as soon as possible, and if there is heart compression, doctors will need to immediately drain the effusion. Additionally, the use of e-cigarettes may potentially cause pericarditis.
Pericarditis is more common in males aged between 20 and 50. Possible causes include viruses, bacteria, tuberculosis, fungi, and parasites. In many cases, the cause remains unidentified. If sudden chest pain accompanied by a feeling of pressure occurs, it is advisable to seek examination at a specialized cardiology hospital.
Dr. Chen Deming pointed out that the new type of tobacco products contains highly addictive nicotine, which is harmful to the human body. E-cigarettes also contain glycerin, propylene glycol, and over 15,500 other toxic substances in the form of flavorings. The propylene glycol in e-cigarettes may also produce acrylic acid anhydride, a carcinogenic substance.
