Karachi (Digital Post) The silent and growing threat of vaping and heart diseases among Karachi’s youth — says Professor Riffat Sultana, Executive Director/Secretary Governing Body, Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases.

Karachi (Digital Post) The rising trend of vaping (e-cigarettes) among young people in Karachi has become alarming and is rapidly turning into a serious public health issue. In the past, heart diseases were mostly found in older individuals, but now hospitals are seeing an increasing number of young patients aged 20 to 30 arriving with chest pain and even heart attacks, often requiring immediate angioplasty.

According to Professor Riffat Sultana, this dangerous trend is largely due to the growing addiction to vaping, which many young people consider a safe alternative to smoking. In reality, vaping devices contain high levels of nicotine and other harmful chemicals that severely damage the heart and blood vessels.

Major health impacts of vaping include:
Damage to the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelial dysfunction)
Sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure
Increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the body

The situation in Karachi is particularly concerning due to several reasons:
Easy availability of substandard and unregistered vaping products
High levels of stress among youth, leading to increased dependence on vaping
Promotion of vaping as a modern lifestyle trend on social media

According to medical experts, in some cases even 25-year-old individuals have been found with coronary arteries resembling those of much older patients. In such conditions, lifelong medication often becomes necessary, along with long-term health risks.

Professor Riffat Sultana has emphasized the urgent need for strict measures to tackle this growing crisis, including:
A ban on flavored vaping products that attract youth
Nationwide public awareness campaigns
Regular screening for early detection of heart disease risks among young people

Conclusion:
Vaping is no longer just a habit but has become a silent epidemic. If immediate action is not taken, Karachi may face a generation suffering from heart diseases at a very young age. Urgent action is essential to protect the health and future of the youth.