Nicotine pouches and youth: emerging patterns and potential cardiovascular risks
Shaun Abid, Abhinav Aggarwal, F. A. M. Duarte, Samdish Sethi, Sumedh Iyengar, Stuart Zarich
Abstract
The rapid rise in nicotine pouch use among teens and young adults signals a shift in nicotine consumption with significant public health implications. Marketed as discreet and "tobacco free," these products are often perceived as safer alternatives to smoking, yet their cardiovascular risks remain largely unexamined. Emerging concerns center on the high nicotine content, efficient bloodstream delivery, and growing rates of dual or poly-use with other nicotine products. Adolescents, in particular, face heightened vulnerability due to ongoing physiological development and increased addiction susceptibility. This review explores the potential cardiovascular consequences of nicotine pouch use in youth, emphasizing the urgency of evidence-based research to inform clinical guidance, regulatory action, and prevention strategies.