Study shows e-cigarettes may increase risk of heart failure

New research suggests vaping may lead to a “significantly” increased risk of heart failure.

The findings showed that people who had used e-cigarettes at any time were 19% more likely to develop heart failure compared to people who had never used e-cigarettes.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Yakubu Bene-Alhasan of MedStar Health, Baltimore, USA, said: “A growing number of studies are linking e-cigarettes to harmful effects and finding that they may not be as safe as previously thought.

“The difference we saw was huge. It’s worth considering the consequences of this on your health, especially when it comes to heart health.”

According to the NHS, heart failure means the heart is no longer able to pump blood around the body properly. This usually occurs because the heart becomes too weak or stiff.

The British Heart Foundation estimates that more than one million people in the UK live with heart failure.

The study included more than 175,000 Americans (including e-cigarette users and non-vapers), of whom 3,242 developed heart failure within 45 months.

Studies have found that people who use e-cigarettes are at increased risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, in which the heart muscle becomes stiff and fails to fill properly with blood between contractions.

However, this is not linked to reduced ejection fraction, which causes the heart muscle to weaken and the left ventricle to not squeeze as much as it should when contracting.

Researchers say the new findings suggest the need for more investigation into the potential effects of e-cigarettes on heart health.

The findings are being presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual scientific meeting.

Last month, the UK government introduced legislation aimed at curbing youth smoking through the Tobacco and E-Cigarette Bill, which aims to tackle youth vaping by introducing new powers to restrict e-cigarette flavors and packaging marketed specifically to children. The problem with e-cigarettes.

Additionally, it has pledged to ban disposable e-cigarettes from April 2025 under environmental laws.