In an interview published last week on the Daily Mail, the AHA said that research carried out by the University of West Virginia, indicates that when exposed to long-term e-cigarette use, mice develop arteries that are more than twice as stiff as those not given any nicotine, and such stiffness is known to increase the chance of heart attacks and strokes.
“We just don’t know if moving to e-cigarettes is good enough to reduce the harm,” added the director of the American Heart Association’s Tobacco Research and Addiction Center, Dr Aruni Bhatnagar.
Scientific evidence against the AHA’s arguments
“Improvement in spirometry measurements was observed even in dual users, but was most substantial in smokers who switched completely to e-cigarettes. Remarkably, respiratory symptoms improved in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who switched to electronic cigarettes,” added Siegel.
Dr. Siegel pointed out that besides improving respiratory health, switching from smoking to vaping was found to significantly lower the risk of cancer, as fewer and lower amounts of carcinogens are inhaled from the vapor as opposed to the amounts inhaled from cigarette smoke.
Misinformation that may have catastrophic effects
Dr. Siegel pointed out that the effect such misinformation could potentially have on the public is catastrophic. He said that if smokers come across and believe this distorted information, they will never attempt to switch to the safer alternatives, a move that could potentially save their lives. Additionally, any ex-smokers who have managed to switch to vaping, may reconsider switching back to smoking. “After all, if it is not clear that vaping reduces harm compared to smoking, then what’s the point of vaping? You might as well enjoy the real thing.” concluded a concerned Siegel.
More info : The Rest of the Story: Tobacco News Analysis and Commentary
