The American Heart Association (AHA) released its first official statement earlier this month on the smokeless nicotine delivery devices known as electronic cigarettes. While the statement largely supports the FDA's proposed regulations, it also suggests that e-cigs could actually help smokers kick the habit.

The statement, published in the journal Circulation, is roughly 20 pages long and covers topics like keeping e-cigs out of the hands of children, classifying e-cigs as tobacco cigarettes in regards to anti-smoking laws (e.g. prohibit use in public buildings), marketing & advertising, taxes, product labeling requirements, distribution and more.

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco cigarettes are responsible for over 5 million deaths each year, making it the leading cause of preventable death. If current trends persist, this number could rise to 8 million deaths annually by 2030. Smoking is known to cause and/or contribute to lung cancer, throat cancer, cardiovascular disease, emphysema, bronchitis and chronic airway obstruction.

Both the AHA and the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend smokers first try traditional cessation methods, such as nicotine patches and gums. If these methods, fail, however, users may find relief in the form of electronic cigarettes. "It is reasonable to have a conversation about e-cigarettes," said AHA President Dr. Elliott Antman.

ACS scientist Tom Glynn shared a similar view, saying the following "We need hard-nosed regulation for e-cigarettes and we need more research. We need to have people stop smoking combustible cigarettes."

Does this mean the AHA and ACS are saying electronic cigarettes are a safe and effective way to quit smoking? Not necessarily, but they aren't turning their heads to the possibility that e-cigs can help smokers kick the habit. Several studies have found that e-cigs -- when used correctly -- are a powerful tool that can assist smokers who are ready to give up the habit. One study conducted by British researchers found that smokers were 60% more likely to give up their habit by using e-cigs as opposed to nicotine gum or other traditional smoking cessation products.

Electronic cigarettes use a special heating element that heats liquid nicotine (known as e-liquid) just enough to create a breathable plume of mist-like vapor. Since there's no fire created, e-cigs don't produce combustion or smoke. This means users can enjoy pure, unadulterated nicotine without all of the harmful chemicals commonly found in tobacco cigarette smoke.

E-liquid photo courtesy of Lindsay Fox via Flickr Creative Commons.