WARNING

Vaping was previously billed as a safer alternative to cigarettes, which dramatically raise the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and other chronic conditions.

But evidence in recent years suggest the electronic alternatives cause similar damage in the body.

A recent US study found vaping and smoking cause people's heart rates to spike 15 minutes after use and put the body in 'fight or flight' mode.

Both groups also suffered a constricted brachial artery, which is the major blood vessel supplying blood to the arms and hands.

High blood pressure and constricted arteries can deprive the heart of oxygen-rich blood and, over time, increase the risk of heart disease.

In a second study, researchers carried out a series of cardiovascular tests after getting participants to run on a treadmill for 90 minutes.

Those who smoked or vaped performed significantly worse on all metrics, including how quickly heart rate recovered after exercise and how hard the heart had to work at peak levels.

Lead author of the study Dr Christina Hughey, from the University of Wisconsin, said: 'The exercise performance of those who vaped was not significantly different than people who used combustible cigarettes,

even though they had vaped for fewer years than the people who smoked and were much younger.'

Co-lead author Matthew Tattersall, an assistant professor of medicine at the university, added: 'Immediately after vaping or smoking, there were worrisome changes in blood pressure,

heart rate, heart rate variability and blood vessel tone (constriction).'

The results of both studies were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2022.

Meanwhile, speaking on This Morning, Dr Nighat Arif said she feels the UK is 'quite behind in regards to understanding the risks of vaping'.

The GP flagged that while it's a good option if you're trying to quit smoking, there is a surge of teens taking it up as a lifestyle.

'I'm seeing a lot more young people doing it,' she said. They come in these bright lovely colours, all the flavours.

'My son goes to secondary school and when I pick him up and they're walking down the street from the school I would say every other child who is sort of 14-15 and above is vaping.'

Dr Nighat also pointed out there are rarely discussed dental consequences to vapes due to the sweeteners used in them.

She explained: 'I was talking to a dental colleague of mine recently and they were saying, "yes it's a great alternative for stopping smoking" but actually what they're seeing is that people

who are vaping - because some people are using this now as a cool lifestyle choice - there's lots of sweeteners that come into '

The GP explained that this can cause a coating on the 'tongue and on the teeth', which may well lead to gum disease.

What are the risks to young people?

The Us Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) however warns against dangers of e-cigarette use for kids, teens and young adults.

It cites a study which suggests that 'nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s' and says that 'young people who

use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future'.

The CDC also slams the idea that the 'e-liquid' in vapes is harmless, saying the aerosol may contain harmful substances, including heavy metals and carcinogens.

However, the NHS site stresses that vapes in the UK are 'tightly regulated', and it is illegal to sell these to under-18s.

However, a teen recently told the Evening Standard that they were as young as 13 when first trying a vape, and the publication cited a rise in Gen Z culture flaunting the devices as part of their aesthetic,

sometimes even matching them to their outfits.