Electronic cigarettes, known as e-cigarettes or vapes, are battery-operated devices that deliver nicotine to users by turning a nicotine containing solution into a vapour that is inhaled. Vapes often come in a variety of sweet and fruity flavours.

Vapes are widely used to help smokers give up tobacco, which is worse for your health than vaping. However, vaping has been linked to negative health impacts¹. Despite this, they are increasingly popular among people who did not previously smoke, especially young people.

According to a recent study in England, over a three-year period, the rate of vaping by those who were not regular smokers grew substantially – from one in 200 to one in 28. This increase was largely driven by young adults². Additionally, around 1 in 6 adolescents have used vapes in their life, and 1 in 10 use them more regularly, across Europe³.

Vaping and cardiovascular disease

Vapes usually contain nicotine. Long-term nicotine exposure, even without the other harmful components of traditional cigarettes, can contribute to cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Some studies suggest that vaping may trigger inflammation in the body, including within the cardiovascular system, which is associated with cardiovascular diseases including stroke.^4,5

Vaping and stroke risk: Key points

Research on the cardiovascular effects of vaping is still relatively limited compared to traditional smoking. Although vaping can help people stop smoking tobacco⁶, there are still negative impacts on cardiovascular health^4,5. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that everyone should avoid tobacco products, including vapes, to reduce risk of stroke⁷.

There is evidence indicating that younger adults who vape may be at increased risk for cardiovascular events, including stroke, especially if they have additional risk factors like obesity, hypertension, or a family history of cardiovascular disease⁸.