Yahoo News Safer than cigarettes? New study claims vaping ‘increases risk of stroke by over 70%’
A new study has claimed that vaping can increase the risk of suffering a stroke by more than 70%.
Despite the apparent health benefits of switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes, a survey of 400,000 people found vapers are at an increased risk of suffering a stroke, heart disease and starting to smoke more harmful tobacco products.
Electronic cigarettes are particularly popular among young people with around three million adults smoking them in the UK, according to the NHS.
The survey of Americans found that, compared to non-smokers, vapers had a 71% higher risk of stroke, and a 59% higher risk of a heart attack or angina.
They also had a 40% higher risk of coronary heart disease and double the rate of cigarette smoking and 4.2% of e-cigarette users said they had suffered a stroke.
Vaping is healthier than cigarettes as it does not contain many of the harmful chemicals found in tobacco products.
But critics warn its popularity among young people could encourage them to pick up smoking.
Researchers at the American Heart Association analysed health data from 400,000 people who responded to the 2016 behavioural risk fact surveillance system survey.
The survey collected figures on health-related risk behaviours, chronic health conditions and use of preventative services from residents in all 50 US states.
In 2016, 3.2% of American adults and 11.3% of secondary school age students reported using e-cigarettes in the preceding 30 days.
Its use among young people increased by a staggering 900% between 2011 and 2015 and some 66,795 of the respondents reported having regularly used e-cigarettes.
Statistical analysis was used to compare their health to a control group of 343,856 other residents who reported having never used e-cigarettes.
Study author Assistant Professor Paul Ndunda of the School of Medicine at the University of Kansas, said: ‘Compared with non-users, e-cigarette users were younger, had a lower body mass index and a lower rate of diabetes.’
MORE: Critics pour water on scientists’ claim of a cure for cancer within the next year
MORE: ‘Thick and fast’: Snow hits parts of UK as warnings are extended and Liverpool and Manchester airports are closed
The study data did not, however, show deaths attributable to e-cigarette use.
The American Heath Association is calling for ‘strong new’ regulations to prevent access, sales and marketing of vaping cigarettes to young people.
It cautions against their use warning they contain nicotine and argues they should be subject to the same laws as other tobacco products while more research is conducted into their health impact.
The findings of the new study are due to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s international conference 2019 in Hawaii next week.
