Callum Jones
In a groundbreaking first-of-a-kind study, experts have discovered vaping could be more dangerous than smoking.
Americans often take up vaping as a healthier substitute to cigarettes. Of course, studies have found vaping is not good for us, but it's used as an alternative by millions to help quit smoking.
But many won't see vaping as more detrimental to our health than smoking tobacco, though a study has found whipping out a flavoured vape may be 'more dangerous than smoking'.
The study conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK looked at 'the chronic and acute effects of using a vape on vascular health'.
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Dr Maxime Boidin, Senior Lecturer in Cardiac Rehabilitation, said ahead of the study: "We know already the long-term impact of smoking behaviour on cardiovascular health but for e-cigarettes it is not the case yet.
“From discussions with clinical experts, they have mentioned already they have seen some symptoms like coughing, chest pain or lung dysfunction.
“So, we can see the early markers of this dysfunction of using a vape at the moment.”
Researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University found that e-cigs allow people to inhale nicotine in a vapour, with scientists worried the nicotine could increase heart rate and blood pressure while also damaging artery walls.
Dr Boidin told The Mirror: "Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a cigarette is finished they have to light up another to keep going.
"But with vapes, you just keep going and it's much harder to know how many puffs you've had. It's much easier to vape continuously because you can do it in places where smoking might be less acceptable.
"What we have found is the dangers for someone who keeps vaping are no different from smokers."
For the study, the team tracked volunteers with the average age of 27 who had similar fitness levels.
The study suggested people who smoked and vape had damaged artery walls that could no longer dilate properly - which could lead to cardiovascular problems further down the line.
They also found smokers and vapers' blood flow was impaired, putting them at risk of dementia.
Dr Boidin added: "When you put this mixture of metals and chemicals into your body you can't expect nothing to happen.
"The only benefit of vaping is to help people quit smoking, but if they keep vaping the result is going to be the same.
"I think doctors should be able to prescribe vapes for a certain time, so they could be used as a transition tool, but only for a short time."
Because the use of vaping is relatively new, experts remain unsure of the long-term impacts of vaping.