Many Americans turn to vaping, believing it to be a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. While it’s well established that vaping isn’t completely harmless, millions rely on it as a tool to quit smoking.
However, new findings indicate that vaping may actually be more harmful than tobacco smoking. This revelation contradicts the general belief that flavoured vapes are a less risky option.
Researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK conducted an in-depth study on the “chronic and acute effects of vaping on vascular health.”
Dr. Maxime Boidin, a Senior Lecturer specializing in Cardiac Rehabilitation, explained the importance of the study, stating: “We know already the long-term impact of smoking behaviour on cardiovascular health but for e-cigarettes it is not the case yet.”
“From discussions with clinical experts, they have mentioned already they have seen some symptoms like coughing, chest pain or lung dysfunction.”
The research team at Manchester Metropolitan University highlighted that e-cigarettes deliver nicotine in vapor form. Scientists are particularly concerned about how nicotine influences heart rate and blood pressure while potentially damaging the walls of arteries.
Speaking to The Mirror, Dr. Boidin pointed out: “Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a cigarette is finished they have to light up another to keep going.”
“What we have found is the dangers for someone who keeps vaping are no different from smokers.”
To gather data, the researchers observed volunteers with an average age of 27, all of whom shared similar fitness levels. This allowed them to compare how vaping and smoking impacted cardiovascular health.
In addition, researchers found that individuals who smoked or vaped had impaired blood circulation, which could elevate their risk of developing conditions such as dementia.
Dr. Boidin elaborated on the findings, stating: “When you put this mixture of metals and chemicals into your body you can’t expect nothing to happen.”
“I think doctors should be able to prescribe vapes for a certain time, so they could be used as a transition tool, but only for a short time.”
Because vaping is still a relatively new phenomenon, scientists remain uncertain about its long-term health consequences. Further studies are needed to fully understand its impact on the body over time.