Cardiopulmonary Risk of Waterpipe Smoke: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze and summarize the effects that waterpipe (WP) smoke has on the cardiopulmonary system through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Wiley Cochrane Library, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, CINAHL Plus, and grey literature in March 2017. Our inclusion criteria for the studies were a comparison of WP smokers before and after waterpipe smoking (WPS) or to non-smokers. Results: Using a random effects meta-analysis, a WPS session was associated with an elevation in systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 6.45 mmHg (95% CI 3.87 to 9.04; p < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 3.71 mmHg (95% CI 2.34 to 5.08; p < 0.0001), mean arterial pressure by 5.54 mmHg (95% CI 3.33 to 7.76; p < 0.0001), heart rate by 7.03 bpm (95% CI 4.60 to 9.46; p < 0.0001), carboxyl hemoglobin (COHb) by 4.11% (95% CI 3.38 to 4.84; p < 0.0001), and expired carbon monoxide (CO) by 22.53 ppm (95% CI 15.99 to 29.08; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: WPS exposure is associated with significant acute increases in cardiopulmonary hemodynamic parameters, along with COHb and expired CO. These findings parallel the acute effects seen with cigarette smoking.