Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes may be just as bad for your heart as traditional cigarettes, according to a study published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association. CBS News reports that researchers found that both vaping and smoking cigarettes caused a similar amount of damage to the cardiovascular system, which comprises arteries and blood vessels.
Public health officials have been concerned by the significant increase in teen vaping in recent years. Many users of e-cigarettes believe these products are safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes. However, researchers say scientific evidence tells us otherwise. This particular study adds to an already existing mountain of evidence showing that e-cigarettes are harmful to human health.
What the Study Found
The recent study followed more than 400 men and women aged 21 to 45 who have not been diagnosed with heart disease and are not at risk for it. The researchers discovered that all of those who used e-cigarettes had arteries just as stiff as those who smoke traditional cigarettes. Stiffening of the arteries can cause serious damage to the small blood vessels, including capillaries and puts added stress on the heart, all of which could lead to the development of heart disease.
The study also found that e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes are equally damaging to endothelial cells, which are located in the lining of the blood vessels. Researchers say the endothelial cells in e-cigarettes produce less nitric oxide, which protects the heart, and more reactive oxygen species, which damages cells compared to the endothelial cells of those who don’t smoke. Vaping has also been linked to lung damage and has been deemed responsible for dozens of deaths.
Targeting Young People
Our product defect attorneys have been saying for years now that Juul and other large e-cigarette manufacturers have simply adopted Big Tobacco’s playbook using cleverly placed ads to reach vulnerable targets – in their case – America’s youth. While traditional cigarette companies used cartoon characters to appeal to young people, these e-cigarette manufacturers sell their products using social media influencers on social media and lure young people with fruit and candy flavors.
If you or a loved one has been injured or if you have lost a loved one due to the harmful health effects of e-cigarettes, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of these products seeking compensation for their damages and losses. An experienced product defect lawyer can help victims and their families better understand their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/e-cigarettes-may-be-just-as-bad-for-your-heart-as-regular-cigarettes-study-says/
