Khat chewing is a risk factor for acute myocardial infarction: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Khat chewing is prevalent in Yemen and East Africa, with millions consuming it for stimulant effects.
• The active compound, cathinone, possesses sympathomimetic properties, elevating heart rate and blood pressure.
• Understanding the cardiovascular risks associated with khat use is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between khat chewing and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
• To determine if khat chewing is an independent risk factor for developing myocardial infarction.
• To explore a potential dose-response relationship between khat consumption and AMI risk.

Main Methods:

• A hospital-based, matched case-control study was conducted between 1997 and 1999 in Yemen.
• 100 AMI patients (cases) and 100 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited.
• Data on khat chewing, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, family history, and lipid profiles were collected and analyzed using conditional logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Khat chewing was significantly more prevalent in the AMI case group compared to controls (OR = 5.0, 95% CI 1.9-13.1).
• A strong dose-response relationship was observed, with heavy khat chewers exhibiting a 39-fold increased risk of AMI.
• Khat chewing emerged as a significant risk factor, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Khat chewing is strongly associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction.
• The study identifies khat chewing as an independent, dose-related risk factor for myocardial infarction.
• Findings underscore the need for public health awareness regarding the cardiovascular dangers of khat consumption.