Pulmonary and Cardiac Effects of E-Cigarette Use in Pulmonary Patients Who Smoke Cigarettes

Pulmonary and Cardiac Effects of E-Cigarette Use in Pulmonary Patients Who Smoke Cigarettes

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of e-cigarettes and continued smoking on pulmonary and cardiac outcomes in a population with established pulmonary disease.

E-cigarettes with nicotine can affect important cardiopulmonary outcomes and likely pose less risk than cigarettes, but they are not harmless. Given the existing literature, there is a need for controlled trials of e-cigarette use in populations with cardiopulmonary disease to fill the gaps between these existing examinations. Clarifying how the pulmonary and cardiac effects of e-cigarettes compare to use of conventional cigarettes in those with cardiopulmonary disease beyond single acute exposures will provide important new health information that can help inform policy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women 40 years of age or older
• Current, every day smoker (5 or more cigarettes per day for one year or longer) confirmed with intake CO of 8ppm or greater
• Established pulmonary disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma-COPD overlap syndrome) confirmed by physician diagnosis and/or current prescription of medication for treatment (i.e., LABA, LAMA, +/- ICS, or combination)
• Lives and plans to remain in the greater Burlington, VT area for the next month
• No intention to quit smoking within the next month
• Speaks English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are medically unstable (unstable symptoms, changes in medications or hospitalizations within last 3 months)
• Inability to conduct in-home measurements.