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.
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