Impact of Khat (Catha edulis) Chewing on Carotid Intima-media Thickness

Khat has severe adverse socio-economic consequences. It causes serious cardiovascular, neurological and psychiatric problems. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of chewing khat on intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid arteries.

This was a descriptive case-control cross-sectional study. A total of 50 participants of chronic regular khat chewers were investigated. B-mode ultrasound 7-10 MHz linear transducers used for assessment of common carotid arteries according to the standard carotid sonography protocol. The IMT was measured and the presence of plaques was assessed.

The carotid IMT was significantly increased in regular khat chewers more than the controls (p-value = 0.016). The common carotid IMT increased in smokers more than non-smokers among khat chewers (0.6710±0.20687 vs. 0.5789±0.16859 mm). Significant correlations existed between the duration of chewing khat and age with the presence of plaque (p-values = 0.013 and 0.002, respectively).

There is a significant correlation between carotid plaque and longtime khat chewing. Khat is a contributory factor for increasing carotid intima-media thickness and formation of carotid plaques. A combination of khat and smoking produce more thickening of carotid intima-media.