Electronic cigarette use among heart failure patients: Findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study (Wave 1: 2013–2014)

Abstract Background Smoking cessation is recommended for adults with heart failure (HF). The prevalence of e-cigarette use among adults with HF is unknown. Objective To determine prevalence of and reasons for e-cigarette use among adults with HF. Methods Data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study (Wave 1) were examined. Results Of 484 respondents with HF, 1% (weighted) reported current e-cigarette use, and 5% (weighted) reported dual cigarette/e-cigarette use. Adults with HF had higher odds of dual use (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.22–2.54) compared to those without HF, controlling for age, sex, race, and income. Dual users with HF reported using e-cigarettes because they may be less harmful to nearby people and to themselves than cigarettes. Conclusions E-cigarette use should be assessed and monitored to understand the safety and potential efficacy of e-cigarettes as a harm reduction approach for HF patients.