DOH: Vaping leads to heart attacks

MANILA, Philippines —  Vaping can lead to heart attacks and other potentially fatal diseases, the Department of Health (DOH) warned yesterday.

The DOH cited the case of a 22-year-old Filipino man who had no prior health issues but died of a heart attack due to a severe lung injury possibly linked to daily vape use.

“E-cigarettes and vaping are not safe alternatives to smoking,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said. “May this tragic case serve as a stark reminder of their serious health risks.”

The DOH said the patient was admitted to the hospital with severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. He suffered a heart attack caused by blockages in his two major arteries.

“The patient also developed a serious lung condition known as e-cigarette or vaping-use-associated lung injury (EVALI),” the DOH reported.

“Further examination showed severe pneumonia-like symptoms in the lungs, but no infections were detected. Doctors performed an emergency procedure to open the blocked heart artery, but, despite their efforts, the patient’s condition worsened,” the DOH added.

The patient developed respiratory failure and died three days after admission.

Health experts have said the chemicals in e-cigarettes can damage the heart and lungs, leading to conditions like heart attacks and EVALI.

The DOH said vaping can increase the risk of heart attacks, even in young and otherwise healthy individuals.