The impact of khat (Catha edulis) on hemodynamics of the common carotid arteries in regular khat chewers: A casecontrol study using doppler ultrasound

• Published in: Journal of medical ultrasound Vol. 29; no. 1; pp. 46 - 49
• Main Authors: Gameraddin, Moawia, Abdalmalik, Bushra, Ibrahim, Mohamed
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01-01-2021; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: cardiovascular; carotid; chewers; hemodynamics; khat; chewers; khat; Cardiovascular; carotid; hemodynamics
• ISSN: 0929-6441; 2212-1552
• DOI: 10.4103/JMU.JMU_22_20

Background: To evaluate the effect of chewing khat on the hemodynamics of the common carotid arteries (CCAs) using Doppler ultrasound imaging. Methods: This is a cross-sectional case-control study. Fifty volunteers who were chronic regular khat chewers were selected and compared with healthy nonkhat chewers. They were examined using Doppler imaging with a 7-10 MHz linear transducer. The resistivity index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and end-diastolic velocity of the CCAs were determined according to the standard protocol of carotid Doppler ultrasound. Results: The RI and PI of the right and left CCAs were significantly higher in khat chewers compared to controls (P < 0.001). The PSV of the right and left CCAs was considerably higher in khat chewers compared to controls (P < 0.001 and 0.04, respectively). Conclusion: The Doppler values of blood flow velocity, resistivity, and pulsatility were significantly higher in chronic regular khat chewers compared to nonkhat chewers. Khat is a significant contributory factor for increasing the hemodynamics of the CCAs.