Study finds long-term vaping could increase the risk of heart problems

In the last few years, studies have linked e-cigarettes to a number of health risks. The devices, which are designed for smokers or ex-smokers, can risen in popularity, especially among young people and teenagers.

Because of the number of younger consumers vaping, health groups have been calling for stricter restrictions of the sale of e-cigarettes due to the potential health risks.

What are the risks?

Researchers from the European Society of Cardiology have carried out research into vaping. The habit is linked to increased risk high blood pressure, heart attack, and blood clots.

Although the risks are lower than they are with smoking, the researchers fear that young people, who would otherwise not smoke, have started vaping. This is concerning, as some studies have shown that long-term vaping, especially from a young age, could increase the risk of heart problems.

For this particular report, the research looked at heart health specifically. Consistent use of e-cigarettes can lead to permanent changes to the arteries and blood vessels and can potentially be damaging to consumers’ health.

These risks usually appear after vaping for a long period of time, along with other risks such as damage to the lungs caused by some types of chemicals found in e-cigarette liquids.

Protecting the public

Going forward, health groups urge that more research is carried out into the safety of e-cigarettes. Additionally, lawmakers are being asked to make it harder for young people to purchase vaping products by tightening restrictions and enforcement.

According to researcher Maja-Lisa Løchen, “Vaping is marketed towards teenagers and the tobacco industry uses celebrities to promote it as being healthier than smoking. Action is urgently needed to halt the growing use in young people.”

“The World Health Organization (WHO) states that e-cigarettes are harmful to health. E-cigarettes are a relatively new product and the long-term health effects are unknown. Now is the time for politicians and regulators to act — with public health campaigns to increase awareness and legislation to halt uptake in young people.”