Shisha smoking increases risk of heart disease: QU study

A recent study conducted by Qatar University (QU) researchers, has revealed a connection between smoking shisha and an increased risk of heart disease in adults in the country.This is particularly concerning given the popularity of shisha smoking in Qatar and the Middle East, where it is often seen as a social activity, a statement said. Shisha, or hookah, is a type of water pipe used for smoking flavoured tobacco.The study was led by Dr. Susu Zughaier, QU associate professor of Basic Medical Sciences, from the College of Medicine, and a contributing team of QU medical students, including fourth-year medical student, Elhassan Mahmoud.The QU study team analysed data from over 1,000 participants with an average age of 55.6 years and had experienced angina, heart attack, or stroke, as well as their age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Data was obtained from Qatar Biobank (QBB), a national research institute that gathers data and biological specimens, such as blood or tissue, from individuals residing in Qatar.The study results revealed that individuals who smoke shisha exclusively had 1.65 times higher odds of reporting a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease compared to those who do not smoke at all. Additionally, the study found that people who started smoking shisha at a younger age had a higher risk of getting heart diseases. The age at which individuals initially started smoking shisha was found to be significantly different between those with cardiovascular disease (20 years) and the control group (25 years).As such, the research highlights the importance of understanding the risks associated with shisha smoking, particularly in countries where it is a common social activity. Shisha smokers should be aware that they are not immune to the health hazards of smoking, and that quitting or reducing their shisha intake could help to lower their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.The study's authors hope that their findings will prompt further research into the health effects of shisha smoking and lead to increased public awareness through public health campaigns and initiatives, to educate people about the risks associated with this activity and discourage them from taking up the habit, particularly in younger individuals.They hope that Qatar's national policies, such as increasing taxes on tobacco products and implementing a ban on smoking in public places, coupled with their efforts to raise awareness about the risks associated with shisha smoking, will lead to a reduction in the prevalence of shisha smoking and improve the health and well-being of people in Qatar and around the world.Dr Zughaier, principal investigator of the study said: "Observing Qatar University’s medical students conduct exceptional research that sheds light on critical behaviours or factors with a significant influence on community/public health is a rewarding experience.”Elhassan, joint first author of the study and fourth-year medical student at QU, added: "Our hope is that these findings will increase awareness, particularly among the younger population. It is imperative that we prioritize our well-being and reject this harmful habit.”Future research studies with larger sample sizes and more robust study designs, such as longitudinal studies, are needed to better establish the connection between shisha smoking and heart disease. The research team plans to conduct additional studies using a similar research protocol in different countries in the Mena region, particularly in Jordan where there is a high prevalence of shisha smoking. The goal of these studies will be to broaden the scope of the current research and examine the correlation between shisha smoking and other diseases, including pulmonary diseases.The publication of this study was funded by QU Health and the article published in the Tobacco Induced Diseases journal (Published online 2023 Feb 9. DOI: 10.18332/tid/156678). More information on the study is available from Dr Susu Zughaier at: szughaier@qu.edu.qa