A 22-year-old Filipino man died from a heart attack following severe lung injury linked to his daily vaping habit over the past two years, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Friday. The incident highlights the rising health risks associated with e-cigarettes and vaping.
DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, speaking at a media forum, emphasized the increased risks of acute myocardial infarction and stroke due to e-cigarette usage. “This case is particularly striking because the young man had no known risk factors except for his daily vaping habit,” Domingo stated.
The young man, who had no prior comorbidities, was rushed to the emergency room in 2023. His case was detailed in a study published in the Respirology Case Reports journal by Dr. Margarita Isabel Fernandez and other doctors from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
Domingo elaborated on the case, noting that the patient had experienced sudden severe chest pain, dyspnea, diaphoresis, and myalgia two days prior to his death. This followed a week of symptoms including productive cough, hemoptysis, fever, and vomiting. “Two of his heart arteries were blocked, and his lungs showed consolidation,” Domingo added.
The patient had no history of cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, or illicit drug use and had not been infected with COVID-19. Dr. Riz Gonzales from the Philippine Pediatric Society’s Tobacco and Nicotine Control Advocacy Group highlighted the severity of the case, mentioning that it was one of only six recorded EVALI cases as of May 2024.
“This young man was healthy, sporty, and had no vices. He came to PGH because of chest tightness and a cough. His lungs were ‘white out,’ meaning the vape chemicals had severely damaged them,” Dr. Gonzales explained.
Another similar case was recorded this year in Alabang involving a 22-year-old former smoker who switched to vaping. The increasing prevalence of vaping among youth is a significant concern. According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), 14% of students aged 13-15 are already using e-cigarettes daily, a trend fueled by easy access and aggressive marketing strategies.
Vape products are often marketed as toys, school supplies, and confectionery in appealing fruity flavors, making them particularly attractive to young people. Domingo warned, “When you vape, the smoke blocks the lungs, which are meant for oxygen. Vaping damages your heart—it’s better to let your heart be hurt by love, not by vaping.”
In conjunction with World No Tobacco Day, health experts gathered to urge the public to protect children from tobacco industry interference. The DOH aims to amend the Vape Law to raise the legal age for vape consumption from 18 to 21 and to implement the Tobacco Illicit Trade Bill in line with FCTC standards. They also plan to increase vape taxes to match those of traditional tobacco products.
