Hookahs more harmful than cigarettes, can trigger hypertension and heart problems
Typically, a hookah session can last for several hours, increasing the levels of nicotine and other toxins in the body.
By PTI |
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LOS ANGELES: Smoking hookahs are more harmful than traditional cigarettes, say scientists who found that puffing a water pipe for just half an hour can lead to the development of cardiovascular risk factors. The study by researchers at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the US is a direct contradiction to marketing efforts claiming that hookah smoking is less hazardous to health than cigarettes.
Researchers measured heart rate, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, blood nicotine and exhaled carbon monoxide levels in 48 healthy, young hookah smokers before and after 30 minutes of hookah smoking.
The study showed that a single session of hookah smoking increased heart rate (by 16 beats per minute) and blood pressure; and significantly increased measures of arterial stiffness, a key risk factor in the development of cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack or stroke.
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The increase in arterial stiffness was comparable to data seen from cigarette smokers after smoking a cigarette.
"Our findings challenge the concept that fruit-flavored hookah tobacco smoking is a healthier tobacco alternative. It is not," said Mary Rezk-Hanna, an assistant professor at the UCLA.
Studies have shown that as cigarette use continues to decline, hookah smoking is rising, especially among youth and particularly among college students.
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"We know that flavoured tobacco products are frequently the first kind of tobacco product used by youth," Rezk-Hanna said.
"One of the major issues with hookah is the fact that the tobacco is flavoured with fruit, candy and alcohol flavours, making hookah the most popular flavoured tobacco product among this audience," she said.
Results of the study are particularly concerning because it measured what appears to be the lower limit of hookah use (half an hour), researchers said.
Typically, a hookah session can last for several hours, potentially increasing the levels of nicotine and other toxins being absorbed in the body.
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Dr Sachin Kumar, Senior Consultant - Pulmonology at Sakra World Hospital explains how smoking affects every part of your body.
The next time you are tempted to take a drag, just pause for a minute and think of the consequences of your indulgence.
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Stiffening of arteries and the aorta are important signs of progression of hypertension, which raises the risk of heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular disorders.
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Previous studies have shown that cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, cigars and most recently e-cigarettes produce similar rates of arterial stiffening seen in this hookah use study.
However, hookah smoking remains more popular, due to marketing efforts as well as social trends.
In previous studies, when participants were asked why hookah smoking was more attractive than cigarette smoking, 48 per cent of them replied that it was because of the fruity flavours and smells.
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In times when lifestyle induced diseases are on the rise, it becomes important to understand the risk factors and work in the direction to eradicate them especially, if one has a family history of heart diseases.
Here are five smart ways listed by Anjali Malhotra, Chief Customer Marketing and Digital Officer Aviva Life insurance to prevent heart problems in today's busy life.
In times when lifestyle induced diseases are on the rise, it becomes important to understand the risk factors and work in the direction to eradicate them especially, if one has a family history of he..
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A daily exercise schedule in any form of physical activity for a period of 30-45 minutes is crucial to ensure that the arteries remain flexible.
Small changes in your physical activity can help in bringing positive change in your routine.
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A daily exercise schedule in any form of physical activity for a period of 30-45 minutes is crucial to ensure th..
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Too much sodium can also cause excess fluid in the body that puts an extra strain on your heart. Therefore, it is best to adapt to variety of spices, herbs and flavours that are an alternative to salt.
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What you eat directly affects your heart. Therefore, ensure the intake of green and leafy ve..
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Keep a check on BMI (Body Mass Index) and maintain it to optimal levels.
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Not only that, it leads to overall disruption in the normal functioning of the heart. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid consumption of both or consume it in moderation and gradually phase it out. It may be difficult to follow but worth the effort.
Smoking and alcohol will have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. These habits are known to elevate blood pressure, causing irregular heartbeat and stokes.
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Various studies have established that stress is one of the biggest triggers of heart problems. It can cause aches and pains, trigger feelings of anxiety and depression, and lower your energy.
Try and keep stress at bay. Look for activities other than work which helps keep stress levels in check.
Indulge in a hobby or a positive self-talk, listen to music or reading a good book or meditate.
These techniques have helped in reducing stress and developing a positive outlook towards work and life.
Various studies have established that stress is one of the biggest triggers of heart problems. It can cause aches and pains, trigger feelings of anxiety and depression, and lower your energy.
Try an..
