E-cigarette users face 20% increased risk of heart disease: new study

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NEW YORK, April 3: A recent study published by the American College of Cardiology has raised concerns about the potential cardiovascular risks associated with vaping, particularly those containing nicotine. The study adds to growing evidence suggesting that vaping may have adverse effects on heart health, including an increased risk of heart disease and elevated blood pressure.

According to the study, participants who reported using e-cigarettes containing nicotine at any point in their lives faced a 19% higher likelihood of developing heart failure compared to non-users. The research, which tracked 175,667 participants over 45 months, found that the increased risk was particularly pronounced in a type of heart failure known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), characterized by stiffening of the heart muscle.

Lead author Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, a resident physician at MedStar Health in Baltimore, emphasized the urgency of addressing potential risks associated with vaping. He cautioned against complacency, stating, “More and more studies are linking e-cigarettes to harmful effects and finding that it might not be as safe as previously thought.”

Heart failure affects millions of Americans, with projections indicating a significant rise in cases by 2030. While the long-term effects of vaping on heart health are still being studied, recent research has raised concerns about its impact on blood vessel function and cardiovascular performance.

While vaping has been touted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, evidence suggests that it may carry its own set of health risks. Despite some studies indicating short-term improvements in blood pressure and vessel stiffness among smokers who switch to vaping, concerns remain about the potential harm caused by the chemicals present in e-cigarette aerosols.

Furthermore, the known risks associated with vaping extend beyond cardiovascular health. Vaping has been linked to lung-related health issues, including lung disease and EVALI (e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury). Chemicals present in vape aerosols, such as formaldehyde and diacetyl, have been shown to cause respiratory damage and pose significant health risks.

As research continues to shed light on the potential dangers of vaping, health authorities urge caution and advocate for greater awareness of the risks associated with e-cigarette use. While vaping may offer an alternative to smoking, its long-term health effects remain a subject of concern and warrant further investigation.

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