Vapers are significantly more likely to have a heart attack, develop coronary artery disease and suffer depression compared with those who don’t use them, a new study suggests.

Researchers from the University of Kansas found e-cigarette users were 34 percent more likely to have a heart attack and 25 percent more likely to have coronary artery disease

They were also 55 percent more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety.

The associations held true even when controlling for other known cardiovascular risk factors, such as age, sex, body mass index, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking.

Although the researchers said they were also unable to determine whether the damage had occurred prior to using e-cigarettes, or was caused by vaping, they said the study should provide a ‘wake up call’ for people who consider the practice to be safe.