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Vaping linked to surge in cardiovascular diseases, stroke among youth – Cardiologist
(Kaieteur News) – Cardiologist, Dr. Mahendra Carpen has linked vaping to an increase in stroke and heart attacks among young people in Guyana, warning that the practice can have severe and sometimes immediate health consequences.
Speaking during an interview on Sources on Monday, Dr. Carpen described vaping as a troubling and growing trend in Guyana, noting that the chemicals contained in products can, in some cases, have more immediate adverse effects than traditional tobacco smoking.
Cardiologist, Dr. Mahendra Carpen
“They can cause your heart to race. They can cause the blood vessels to spasm, and when that happens, it raises your blood pressure and can actually cause heart attacks by causing spasms of the coronary artery,” he said.
The cardiologist also pointed to emerging evidence linking vaping to irreversible and incurable lung diseases. He urged young people to avoid the habit altogether and encouraged those who already vape to quit.
Dr. Carpen explained that vaping can trigger inflammation within blood vessels, causing damage throughout the body, including the heart, brain and digestive system. In response to this damage, the body attempts to repair affected areas by forming blood clots. However, he noted that the process can become excessive, resulting in blockages that may lead to strokes and heart attacks.
“That is a big trendy thing that is happening that we ought to guard against,” he said.
Drawing from his experience in the medical field, Dr. Carpen said he has observed a shift in the age of patients presenting with serious cardiovascular conditions.
“When I first returned home, the average age for heart attack patients was in their 50s and 60s. Seeing younger patients was rare,” he said. “Now it is becoming routine to see people in their 20s and 30s presenting with heart disease.”
He added that young women appear to be particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of smoking and vaping.
“Women with smoking, women with vaping – it’s not cool and it’s not good for health,” Dr. Carpen said.
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