Most people recognise that smoking is harmful to health. There are many risks associated with tobacco, not least those relating to the cardiovascular system. Smokers are at an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, and diseases affecting blood vessels and arteries.
Many smokers have successfully quit the habit by switching to vaping. Various studies have taken place that look at how health may improve by making this change. One such study, conducted by the University of Dundee, has confirmed that ‘vaping is less harmful than smoking for vascular health.’
:How long did the trial last?
This was an in-depth trial that took place across a two-year period. Commissioned by the British Heart Foundation, the study is thought to be the largest of its kind thus far. It has revealed positive news for those looking to switch from smoking to vaping.
Not only did the study show that those quitting cigarettes and using e-cigarettes instead experienced better vascular health, it showed those changes could be seen in as little as four weeks.
Who took part in the trial?
114 people who had smoked for a minimum of two years were recruited for the study. Each one had smoked 15 or more cigarettes every day. Their vascular health was monitored prior to the study starting and again at the end. Continual monitoring occurred throughout the two years as well.
What improvements were seen?
The scores seen in the study improved among vapers when compared to smokers. To put it into context, someone who is healthy and has never smoked has a score of around 7.7 for cardiovascular health. Smokers see a much lower average score of 5.5. The lower the score, the more chance there is of that person experiencing cardiovascular issues, i.e. heart attacks or similar conditions.
However, when people switched to vaping during the study, their scores were seen to rise to an average of 6.7. That is quite an improvement. Of course, it does not match the score of someone who has never smoked and does not have nicotine-based e-cigarettes. However, it does show that vaping is a positive way to help someone quit the smoking habit.
What is your opinion on this study? Do you think it supports smokers in finding a good reason to switch to vaping? Does vaping provide a safer alternative? Let us know your thoughts by leaving them in the comments below.
