A recent report in the Journal of the American Heart Association shows that vaping damages the heart just as bad as traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes or vaping was once considered a safer alternative to smoking, but continuing studies are debunking this claim.
Researchers performed tests on the vascular systems of more than 400 healthy adults aged 21 to 45. Study participants who use cigarettes, e-cigarettes or both had stiffer arteries than those who did not smoke or vape, the researchers reported. E-cigarette users were more likely to be younger, male and white.
Jessica Fetterman, co-author of the study and a vascular biologist at Boston University School of Medicine, said “Stiffening of the arteries can cause damage to the small blood vessels, including capillaries, and puts additional stress on the heart, all of which can contribute to the development of heart disease.” She added, “Meanwhile, the evidence from scientific studies is growing that e-cigarettes might not be the safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes when it comes to heart health. Our study adds to that evidence.”
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death for smokers, and some have suggested that switching to e-cigarettes might prove less harmful to health. The research also found that the endothelial cells, the cells that line blood vessels, appeared to be equally as damaged whether people used e-cigarettes, traditional cigarettes, or both.
“The endothelial cells from e-cigarette users or dual users produced less of the heart-protective compound nitric oxide, compared to non-tobacco users. Their cells also produced more reactive oxygen species, which cause damage to the parts of cells such as DNA and proteins,” Fetterman said. “Our study results suggest there is no evidence that the use of e-cigarettes reduces cardiovascular injury, dysfunction or harm associated with the use of combustible tobacco products.”
To learn more about the health impacts of e-cigarettes and other nicotine delivery systems, particularly on youth and young adults, the American Heart Association recently announced nearly $17 million in new research projects.
We have previously reported that vaping deaths and lunch injuries continue to rise. If you or a loved one has experienced complications from vaping, please contact us for further information.