In the past few years, those looking to reduce the harmful effects of smoking have been swapping traditional fags for e-cigs, a supposedly healthier alternative.
However, new scientific research from the American Physiological Society (APS) suggests that even just one puff of an e-cig could increase the chances of a heart attack.
Tests conducted on mice showed the effects of just five minutes of vape exposure, with the mice’s arteries narrowing by a significant 30% within one hour of exposure. Narrow arteries have previously been linked to increased chances of heart attacks or strokes…
The results also showed other worrying factors. For example, the mice’s blood vessels were found to be less capable of dilating after exposure, a process needed for safely lowering blood pressure.
As part of the same study, mice were also given long term exposure to vaping, 20 hours per week over the course of an eight month period.
This long term exposure led to mice developing stiff arteries. The arteries of these mice had over twice the stiffness than mice who had not been exposed to any nicotine at all.
Check out a BBC News look at vaping:
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Researchers who conducted the study came to the following conclusion:
These data indicate that e-cigs should not be considered safe and that they induce significant deleterious effects.
If you are looking to kick the habit for good, check out the resources available on the Giving Up Smoking website.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.