Vaping raises heart failure risk by 19%, reveals study

Source-This post on Vaping raises heart failure risk by 19%, reveals study is based on the article “Vaping increases risk of heart failure by 19 per cent, reveals study” published in “The Indian Express” on 3rd April 2024.

Why in the News?

A recent extensive study conducted in the US indicates that vaping at any stage of life is associated with a 19% rise in the likelihood of heart failure.

What is Vaping?

1. Vapes or e-cigarettes use electronic heating to vaporize a mixture of glycerine, flavors, and nicotine, the addictive component found in traditional cigarettes.

2. It is also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).

3. Impact:

a. Nicotine in e-cigarettes might lead to addiction rather than helping quit regular cigarettes. Accidental exposure to the liquid could also result in acute nicotine poisoning.

b. Due to the lack of standardized liquid, numerous vapes emit chemicals that can lead to lung diseases and contain cancer-causing substances and heavy metals.

c. E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) can cause shortness of breath, chest pain and severe difficulty in breathing.

What does the recent study say?

1. The study examined 170,000 individuals over 45 months. Among them, 3,242 experienced heart failure.

2. The findings revealed that individuals who used e-cigarettes at any time had a 19% higher risk of developing heart failure compared to non-users.

3. The study also discovered that vaping raised the chances of a specific type of heart failure known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This condition involves stiffening of the heart muscles, leading to improper filling between contractions.

What are the Regulations on the Use of E-cigarettes Worldwide?

1. Thirty-four countries have banned the sale of e-cigarettes, 88 countries have no minimum age at which e-cigarettes can be bought and 74 countries have no regulations in place for these harmful products.

2. In India, the possession of e-cigarettes and similar devices is a violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act, 2019.

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