Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Exploring the Long-term Cardiovascular Effects of Vaping

This research aims to understand the long-term effects of vaping on heart and blood vessel health. Smoking is a significant cause of preventable deaths, and vaping is sometimes used to help people stop smoking. However, we don't fully understand what vaping does to the body over many years. Over two years, this study will follow 200 volunteers from Sheffield and Leeds. We'll look at different groups: people who vape and used to smoke, people who vape but never smoked, those who both vape and smoke, and ex-smokers who don't vape. By comparing these groups, we hope to learn more about how vaping affects your heart and lungs, providing important information for vapers and health policymakers alike.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Sheffield Hallam University

Enrolment target

172

Start

16 Apr 2023

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Cardiovascular Diseases

What is this study about?

This study is important because we want to understand the long-term effects of vaping on people's hearts and blood vessels. Smoking is known to be very harmful and is a major cause of illness and death. Many people are now using e-cigarettes, or vaping, as a way to help them stop smoking. While this can be helpful, we don't yet have a clear picture of what vaping does to your body over many years, especially your heart.

Researchers are particularly interested in finding out if there are any differences in heart and lung health between people who vape and used to smoke, people who vape but have never smoked, people who both vape and smoke, and people who used to smoke but don't vape now. By comparing these different groups, we hope to get a better understanding of how vaping affects the body in the long run.

Over two years, 200 people from Sheffield and Leeds will take part. They will be invited for check-ups five times, where doctors will measure different aspects of their health. The information gathered from this study will be used to help provide clear advice to vapers and to help make decisions about health policies related to e-cigarettes.

Key takeaways

This study investigates the long-term impact of vaping on heart and blood vessel health.
It compares former smokers who vape, vapers who never smoked, those who both vape and smoke, and ex-smokers who don't vape.
Participation involves five visits over two years to assess heart, lung, and overall health.
The findings will help inform decisions for vapers and health policy makers.
You must be over 18 and fit specific vaping/smoking history criteria to join.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old.

The study is looking for people who fit into one of four main groups: * **Group A:** People who used to smoke for at least two years, and have been vaping daily for at least one year (at least 50 puffs a day). * **Group B:** People who currently vape daily (at least 50 puffs a day) for at least one year, and have never smoked before. * **Group C:** People who currently vape (at least 50 puffs a day) and also smoke at least 20 regular cigarettes per week. * **Group D:** People who used to smoke but stopped more than a year ago, and do not currently vape.

You cannot join the study if you: are unable to walk, have had a recent heart attack, stroke, or heart surgery within the last 6 months, are pregnant, or need major surgery soon. You also need to be able to understand the study information and agree to take part.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you fit into one of the four groups: vaper (ex-smoker), vaper (never smoked), vaper and smoker, or ex-smoker (non-vaper)?
Have you *not* had a heart attack, stroke, or heart surgery in the past 6 months?
Are you *not* pregnant?
Are you able to walk and don't need major surgery soon?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be in the study for a total of 38 months, which is just over three years. During this time, you will be asked to visit the study team five times. These visits will happen at the start of the study, and then again after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Each visit will involve various health checks and questionnaires. These might include checking your heart and lung function, taking blood samples to look at your risk of heart disease, and asking questions about your vaping and smoking habits. You will not be given any new medication as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is contributing to important research that will help us understand more about how vaping affects long-term health. This information could benefit current and future vapers. As part of the study, you will have regular health checks, which might give you some insights into your own health. There are minimal risks involved, mainly related to blood draws, which can cause slight discomfort or bruising. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to understand how vaping affects your heart and blood vessels over two years, comparing different groups of vapers and ex-smokers.

How many times will I need to visit?

You will need to visit the study team five times over a two-year period.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications.

Can I stop participating if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

Who is funding this research?

The information provided does not specify the funding source for this trial.

How to find out more

Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.