Qatar University researchers recently discovered that shisha or water pipe smoking raises the risk of heart disease in adults.
Shisha, commonly known as hookah, is a water pipe that is used to smoke flavored tobacco. It originated in the Middle East and has since spread as a social pastime throughout the region.
Susu Zughaier, an associate professor of Basic Medical Sciences at Qatar University’s College of Medicine, led the research.
It analysed data from over 1,000 adult participants living in Qatar, according to a statement released by Qatar University on Thursday.
The researchers found that shisha smokers had 1.65 times higher odds of reporting a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, compared to non-smokers.
Furthermore, the study highlighted that starting shisha smoking at a younger age was associated with a higher risk of developing heart diseases.
It made a significant contribution to the understanding of the health consequences of shisha smoking, highlighting the need to address the public health concern in Qatar and other countries.
