Smokers in Tayside are being asked to take part in a major study at Ninewells Hospital investigating whether “vaping” is less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
More than 100 volunteers will be recruited for the University of Dundee research, which is funded by the British Heart Foundation.
With e-cigarettes being used by more and more people to help them stop smoking, experts will compare the effects of traditional and vaping products on blood vessel function, which is a key health indicator.
“E-cigarettes are sold on the principle that they are a much safer alternative to traditional cigarettes because they don’t contain harmful substances like tobacco and tar,” said Dr Jacob George, from the university’s school of medicine, who is leading the study.
“However, many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which may be harmful to blood vessels itself.
“We want to see whether the e-cigarettes are better for blood vessel function compared to traditional cigarettes.
“Many people seem to think that this is the case but as yet there is no hard scientific evidence to prove this.”
The study is looking to recruit 135 patient volunteers, aged 18 years and over and who have smoked 15 cigarettes a day for a minimum of two years.
They may be asked to switch their regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes for one month.
Volunteers will be asked to make two visits to Ninewells, 28 days apart. Each visit should be completed within around two hours.
Participants will be randomised into one of three groups, either continuing with tobacco cigarettes, switching to electronic cigarettes containing nicotine plus flavour, or switching to electronic cigarettes containing flavour alone.
Mike Knapton, associate medical director at BHF, said: “Nearly one in five adults in the UK smokes and we know that an increasing number of people are turning to e-cigarettes to help them quit.
“This shows the fundamental importance of this unique study that intends to shine a light on the risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes and whether they are in fact a safer alternative. “
Anyone who is interested in joining the study or finding out more about it should phone 01382 383195, or email vesuvius@dundee.ac.uk