Despite vaping-linked deaths, new study says it's still safer than cigarettes

Cigarette smokers can improve their heart health within weeks of switching to e-cigarettes, according to a new study. The monthlong study was conducted by researchers at the University of Dundee and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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Researchers monitored the blood vessels of 114 smokers a month after they switched to e-cigarettes. They measured "flow-mediated dilation," which refers to how blood vessels expand when a wave of blood rushes through them. The results showed that vaping has the potential to reduce heart attack and stroke risk.

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According to the study, chemicals in cigarette smoke narrow arteries as they get mixed in with fatty deposits and can increase the risk of a life-threatening blockage.

Flow-mediate dilation scores have been closely linked to the long-term risk of heart attacks and stroke. The results of the study show risk scores as follows:

• Healthy nonsmokers had a score of 7.7%
• Smokers had a score of 5.5%
• Those who switched to nicotine e-cigarettes for a month had a score of 6.7%

Researchers stressed that more research is needed, and the study does not conclude that vaping is safe. The AJC previously reported that health authorities have suggested Americans refrain from e-cigarettes until more is known about their link to respiratory illnesses.

"The key take-home is these devices are not completely safe and should not be tried by non-smokers or children,” said Jacob George, one of the researchers. "We now have clear evidence they're less harmful than tobacco cigarettes."

Cox Media Group