Regular shisha smokers could significantly increase their risk of developing long-term high blood pressure, researchers warn today.
In this first study to examine the acute cardiovascular effects of shisha, scientists at St George’s, University of London, UK, have found that the heart rate, blood pressure and carbon monoxide levels rise significantly immediately after smoking the substance.
Professor Brendan Madden, of St. George’s, who supervised the research, published by JSRM Open, said there is a common misconception that passing the smoke through water removes it of all harmful substances.
Professor Madden said: “There is minimum public awareness of the health risks of shisha smoking and a lack of scientific interest.
“This research shows that the elevation in heart rate witnessed after smoking shisha may, like smoking cigarettes, act as a marker of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.”
His study was carried out in 6 London shisha cafes in 2012 where participants smoked shisha between 45 and 90 minutes.
“Further research is needed to verify the results of this research and to investigate the wider effects of smoking shisha”, added Prof Madden.
“If future studies note the same effects of this research then the public should be made aware of the health effects of shisha smoking. This would include mandatory labelling of shisha tobacco packs and apparatus with ‘smoking kills’, which to date is not enforced at shisha cafés.”
Previous studies have identified a number of health complications linked with shisha smoking, including mouth and lung cancers.
Kadhum M, Jaffrey A et al. Measuring the acute cardiovascular effects of shisha smoking: a cross-sectional study JRSM Open. 6 June 2014. doi: 10.1177/2054270414531127
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