Switching to vaping raises heart risk, warns ICMR; quitting fully only way
A new ICMR study reveals that switching to vaping doesn't protect the heart and may even increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.Summary
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released a study indicating that switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes does not protect the heart and can significantly raise the risk of cardiovascular events. Analyzing data from over 1.2 million participants across 12 studies, researchers found that e-cigarette users had a 53% higher risk of heart attack compared to non-users, and former smokers who vaped faced a 2.5-times higher risk. The study highlights that nicotine exposure, regardless of the delivery method, is harmful, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. ICMR researchers emphasize that e-cigarettes should not be considered a safe alternative to smoking, particularly in India where vaping is increasingly prevalent among young people, and support the government’s existing ban on e-cigarettes. Further long-term studies are needed to fully understand the effects of vaping on heart and brain health.
(Source：Business Standard)
