Flavoured e-cigarettes could be TOXIC to your heart – and these are the most dangerous offenders
PUFFING away on some e-cigarette liquids is more dangerous than others, experts have warned.
New findings suggest it is a chemical in the actual flavours that poses a risk to vapers' hearts.
Those who are fond of citrus and cinnamon varieties could be putting themselves at greater risk of heart damage.
E-cigarettes are widely recognised as being a healthier alternative to smoking regular cigarettes.
But, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests they are not risk-free.
Now, experts at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, warn chemical flavourings could be to blame for the dangers linked to e-cigs.
Dr Matthew Nystoriak and his team tested 15 different e-cigarette flavourings.
They looked at how the flavours affected human cardiomyocytes - cells that make up the heart muscle.
The cells are vital in helping the heart pump blood around the body, regulating the heart's ability to beat.
The team of scientists looked at how the chemical flavourings affected these cells at various temperatures.
"While many flavour chemicals are conventional food additives and generally regarded as safe, little is known regarding their impact on human cardiac function," they noted in the journal Circulation.
"Moreover, how heating/combustion of these compounds affects their toxicity is completely unknown."
Their findings showed certain flavourings could potentially harm a vaper's heart.
Our results identify several popular flavour additives as potentially cardiotoxic
Study authors
Cinnamon flavouring was found to prevent cardiomyoctes from contracting 24 hours after coming into contact with them.
Meanwhile clove, floral and citrus flavours caused the heart muscle cells to beat faster.
The scientists concluded: "Our results identify several popular flavour additives as potentially cardiotoxic."
And Dr Nystoriak told Medical News Today: "These effects are kind of striking because it suggests that if this compound was interacting with the heart muscle itself, it could do something directly to change how that cell actually functions."
The findings come after a similar study last year found while flavoured vapours were more dangerous across the board, strawberry flavoured e-cig liquids were most toxic to a vaper's lungs.
E-cigarettes were designed to help smokers quit their deadly habit, and are marketed as a healthier alternative to fags.
The NHS agrees vaping is better for a smoker's health than regular tobacco.
Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians consider e-cigarettes to be at least 95 per cent less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
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The devices allow a vaper to inhale nicotine without the other harmful substances in tobacco.
But the health service also warns, e-cigs are not risk-free.
Various scientific studies have shown they cause damage to the lungs, are as dangerous to the heart as smoking, and increase the risk of severe strokes.
And other experts have warned they are a "gateway to smoking", encouraging a new generation of smokers.
Earlier this year, health officials called for flavoured e-cigs to be banned to stop enticing kids to try them.
They claim sweetie flavours, including bubblegum, strawberry and chocolate encourage youngsters to try the devices.
But, the charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) and the Independent British Vape Trade Association said flavoured liquids play an important role in encouraging smokers to quit.