VAPERS may be at higher risk of a life-threatening stroke than smokers, a study found.

Mice exposed to e-cig vapour for ten days or 30 days had more severe strokes and greater nerve damage than those exposed to tobacco smoke.

3 Vaping could be more dangerous than tobacco smoking Credit: Alamy

Vaping decreased their brain’s uptake of glucose, which is responsible for fuelling brain activity.

But both groups had significantly reduced levels of an enzyme required for blood clotting.

This could increase their chances of having a stroke and worsen secondary brain injury.

3 Vaping could give you a higher risk of stroke Credit: PA:Press Association

There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, of which 25,000 will prove fatal within 12 months.

Survivors may be left with physical disabilities, depression, impaired memory and difficulty speaking.

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Researchers, from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, said: “Vaping is not safer than tobacco smoking and may pose a similar, if not higher, risk for stroke severity.”

The number of smokers in England is currently at its lowest ever level, with just one in six adults lighting up.

3 Many smokers have used vaping as a way to kick the habit Credit: Alamy

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Experts say e-cigarettes have helped many kick the habit, with an estimated 2.2million people now vaping in the UK.

Professor Jeremy Pearson, from the British Heart Foundation, said: “This study reinforces the view that we don’t yet have sufficient scientific evidence to know whether vaping is safer for health than cigarette smoking.

“Nearly one in five adults in the UK smokes, significantly increasing their risk of coronary heart disease.

“Stopping smoking is the single most important step you can take to improve your heart health, and we know that more and more people are turning to e-cigarettes to quit.

“However, we need to assess the potential long-term effects of these devices, which is why the BHF is funding research to find out whether or not they are as safe as people think.”

The study was presented at the American Heart Association's International Stroke Conference 2017 today.

A spokesman from the UK Vaping Industry Association said the UK government backs the use of e-cigarettes as an “effective smoking cessation tool".

They added: “The Royal College of Physicians and Public Health England have said that vaping is at least 95 per cent less harmful than smoking tobacco.

“Though this study certainly warrants further research, we are pleased that the Government is focused on studies produced by reputable organisations in the UK.”