Nicotine in all its forms is harmful to cardiovascular health: Dr Sushil
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In view of the ever increasing incidence of cardiac ailments and lifestyle diseases due to nicotine like substances Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health Check up Camp at Village Bhera Panchayat Lower Gharota Block Bhalwal Jammu for educating masses regarding the importance of primary prevention in decreasing mortality and morbidity associated with cardiovascular diseases.
While interacting with the people Dr Sushil stated that in recent years, the global tobacco landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. Traditional cigarettes, long recognized as a major cause of cardiovascular disease, are increasingly being replaced or supplemented by newer nicotine delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (vapes), heated tobacco products, nicotine pouches, and shisha. Aggressive marketing, sleek designs, appealing flavours, and the widespread belief that these alternatives are “safer than smoking” have driven their rapid adoption, particularly among adolescents and young adults. However, emerging scientific evidence, reinforced by expert consensus from leading cardiovascular bodies, clearly demonstrates that nicotine itself irrespective of the mode of delivery is a potent cardiovascular toxin. The absence of smoke does not equate to the absence of harm.
He elaborated that Nicotine exerts powerful effects on the cardiovascular system through multiple mechanisms. It stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to acute increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand. Chronic exposure promotes endothelial dysfunction, impairs nitric oxide mediated vasodilation, and accelerates arterial stiffness, all of which are key early steps in atherogenesis. Nicotine also increases platelet activation and aggregation, creating a pro thrombotic state that raises the risk of acute coronary syndromes and stroke. These effects are not theoretical they have been demonstrated across experimental, clinical, and population-based studies, and they occur regardless of whether nicotine is inhaled, absorbed through oral mucosa, or delivered via aerosols. He maintained that second-hand exposure also deserves attention. Aerosols from vapes and smoke from shisha are not benign; they impair endothelial function in bystanders and contribute to indoor air pollution. This challenges the notion that these products are socially harmless and reinforces the need for comprehensive smoke- and aerosol-free public spaces. From a public health perspective, the economic burden associated with nicotine addiction including healthcare costs, lost productivity, and long-term disability from cardiovascular disease is immense and largely preventable. The evolving evidence delivers a clear and unequivocal message: nicotine in all its forms is harmful to cardiovascular health. While modern nicotine products differ in appearance and delivery from traditional cigarettes, they share a common denominator nicotine-driven cardiovascular toxicity, compounded by additional harmful chemicals in many products. The narrative that vaping, heated tobacco, or oral nicotine are safe or acceptable long-term alternatives is scientifically unsound and potentially dangerous, particularly for young and otherwise healthy populations.
He added that Clinicians, policymakers, and the public must move beyond the narrow focus on smoke alone and recognize nicotine as a central cardiovascular risk factor. Strong regulatory measures, including flavour bans, strict marketing controls, age enforcement, taxation based on nicotine content, and inclusion of all nicotine products in smoke-free laws, are essential to curb initiation and promote cessation. Equally important is patient education, he Said.
Dr Sushil in his concluding remarks told that ultimately, protecting cardiovascular health requires a unified and honest approach one that prioritizes prevention, dismantles myths, and treats all nicotine-containing products with the seriousness they deserve. The goal should not be to find new ways to consume nicotine, but to reduce and eliminate nicotine exposure altogether, safeguarding both current and future generations from its silent yet profound cardiovascular harm.
Prominent members of the area Santosh Kumari (Former Sarpanch), Nittu Verma, Raman Chalotra, Pandit Ravi Sharma, Ankush Khajuria and Rahul Khajuria appreciated the efforts of Dr Sushil and his team for accepting their request and conducted cardiac awareness cum Health check up camp in their village and expressed their heartfelt gratitude. Others who were part of this camp include Dr Venkatesh Yellupu and Dr Adarsh Sharma. Paramedics and volunteers includes Rajkumar, Ranjeet Singh, Mohd Altaf, Gourav Sharma, Vikas kumar, Rajinder Singh, Gokul Jamwal, Mukesh Kumar and Nirvair Singh Bali.
