The Health Effects of Heated Tobacco Product Use-A Narrative Review

Abstract

One of the most popular currently available tobacco products is the heated tobacco product (HTP), which heats nicotine and other chemical substances into a vapor for inhalation. The aim of the present review was to clarify the effects of exposure to HTP, which currently remain unclear. A literature search of Web of Science, Scopus, ClinicalKey, and PubMed was conducted. The search identified 55 studies on humans and human cells in vitro (mostly independent, i.e., not funded by the tobacco sector) published from February 2021 to May 2025. Studies evaluating the effects of HTP use on the cardiovascular system indicate an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, platelet clot formation, and an enhanced inflammatory response, which is often followed by endothelial dysfunction. Increases in white blood cell counts, pro-inflammatory cytokines, leukocytes, eosinophils, platelets, IL-6, IL-2, IL-8, total NNAL, and 2,3-d-TXB2 were also observed. The studies suggest a positive correlation between HTP use and the occurrence of respiratory diseases, with particular negative effects observed on lung physiology, human bronchial epithelial cells, acute eosinophilic pneumonia, allergies, and asthma. Our findings indicate that the use of HTP is associated with possible adverse effects on the reproductive system. The review also identified new studies on the health effects of HTP use during pregnancy on the fetus, newborn, and mothers. Further research is needed to determine the short-term and long-term health effects of using HTP products.

Keywords: Glo; IQOS; Ploom; cells; health effect; heated tobacco product; human.