Since this thread has been resurrected I will add my $0.02 to the mix. I am a poster boy for heart blockages. I had a 5 line bypass surgery in 2004. Fortunately I was only suffering from 90% in the worst line and the others were 70 to 80%. So the bottom line is that I never had a heart attack. So I do not suffer from damage to my heart. I am positive that my doctor will say that I should stay away from anything that would increase my risk of another blockage. Most doctors I have dealt with don't understand what type of addiction we are dealing with.
Now on to the other benefits. I had pneumonia right after my heart surgery and 3 more time since then. I had developed asthma and was pre-COPD. This was a condition that was as serious as the heart issue. It was definitely getting worse as days went by. Since I have quit smoking I have had a complete reversal of my breathing condition. I no longer suffer from asthma I no longer have any of the breathing problems period.
There is a long list of other benefits that I have received since I quit smoking. If you have quit smoking you know what I'm talking about so I won't go into detail here.
So, considering that the choice in my case is in only smoking or
vaping, I believe that the choice is clear. Does nicotine increase my risk of further heart problems, yes it does. The best possible choice would for me to completely stop anything related to cigarettes. This is the best choice for anyone. I would do it if I could.