Vaping may pose higher stroke risk than tobacco smoking

Houston, February 26

E-cigarettes - touted as an alternative for smokers trying to kick the butt - may pose a higher risk of stroke than tobacco smoking, a new study has warned.

Researchers from Texas Tech University in the US exposed mice to e-cigarette vapour for 10 days and 30 days.

It was found that it had worse stroke outcome and neurological deficits, than those exposed to tobacco smoke.

E-cigarette exposure decreased glucose uptake in the brain. Glucose is responsible for fueling brain activity, according to researchers.

Both e-ciggarettes and tobacco smoke exposure for 30 days decreased Thrombomodulin (anti-coagulant) levels.

"From a brain health perspective, electronic-cigarette vaping is not safer than tobacco smoking and may pose a similar, if not higher risk for stroke severity," researchers said.

Use of e-cigarettes is a growing health concern in both smoking and nonsmoking populations.

Researchers said rigorous studies are needed to find the effects of the nicotine exposure via e-cigarettes on brain and stroke outcome. — PTI