Recent research out of Qatar University has linked shisha and water pipe use to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adults.
Shisha, usually referred to as a hookah, is a type of water pipe commonly used to smoke flavored tobacco. It started in the Middle East, but now it’s a social phenomenon all across the world, including Africa.
Susu Zughaier, an associate professor in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at Qatar University’s College of Medicine, oversaw the research.
According to a statement released by Qatar University on Thursday, the study analyzed data from more than a thousand Qatari adults.
Cardiovascular disease was reported 1.65 times more frequently among shisha smokers than by non-smokers, according to the study.
In addition, the study showed that beginning shisha smoking at a younger age was linked to a greater risk of acquiring cardiovascular problems.
It significantly advanced our knowledge of the dangers of shisha use and prompted calls for action to address this public health issue in Qatar and elsewhere.
The study report read in part, “After adjusting for hypertension diagnosis, diabetes diagnosis, dyslipidemia diagnosis, abdominal obesity, and sedentary lifestyle, exclusive shisha smokers had 1.65 times higher odds of reporting cardiovascular disease diagnoses compared to non-smokers. Dual shisha and cigarette smokers also had 1.47 times higher odds of reporting cardiovascular disease diagnoses compared to non-smokers. CVD cases had a younger median age of initial shisha smoking compared to controls (20 years vs 25 years, p=0.003).
“Shisha smoking was associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, this association did not reach the level of statistical significance within this study.
“A finding to consider that showed strong evidence is the younger age of initial shisha smoking in cases.
“Further studies are needed to demonstrate the true relationship between shisha smoking and cardiovascular disease.”
