Association of waterpipe smoking with myocardial infarction and determinants of metabolic syndrome among catheterized patients

Background: Waterpipe smoking is a rising global public health epidemic perceived by many users to be less harmful, though its toxicity overlaps or even exceeds that of cigarette smoking. Short-term cardiovascular changes due to waterpipe smoking are well established, but longer-term health impacts are still not fully elucidated.Objective: We aim to investigate the association of waterpipe smoking with myocardial infarction among patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.Methods: The study was performed on Lebanese patients referred for cardiac catheterization. Patient's blood was collected for metabolic measures and questionnaires were filled out to include socio-demographic, behavioral and pertinent medical characteristics of the study subjects.Results: Myocardial infarction is significantly and independently associated with waterpipe smoking, with odds ratio (OR) of 1.329 (95% CI: [1.04-1.68]; p=.021), which is lower than that for cigarette smoking (OR=1.87, 95% CI: [1.63-2.15]; p<.001). Only diabetes showed significant association with waterpipe smoking among MI enrollees (OR=1.66, 95%CI: [1.04-2.63]; p=.032).Conclusion: The study provides yet another evidence for the adverse cardiovascular effects of waterpipe smoking on a clinical level. The harmful effects of waterpipe smoking should be underscored by health care professionals.