The Severity and Complexity of Coronary Artery Disease in Khat User Somali Patients: A Study in a PCI-Capable Tertiary Center in Somalia

Abstract

Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death and disability adjusted life years worldwide, primarily in low- and middle-income nations. The study aims to determine if khat use is linked to a more complicated form of CAD and a larger lesion burden. The SYNergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score is used to assess CAD severity and degree.

Methodology

This observational, hospital-based descriptive study enrolled patients referred for coronary angiograms from August 2022 to May 2023. Data was collected from Khat and Non-Khat users, and analyzed using the SYNTAX score. The study compared demographics, clinical presentations, coronary angiographic findings and lesion complexity between Khat and Non-Khat users.

Results

This study enrolled 177 participants, with a khat chewer group being (45.2%) compared to non-khat chewers (54.8%). The age distribution was similar, with 79.7% male and 20.3% female. Smoking was more common in the khat group (38.4%). Risk factors included hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease. There was no significant difference in lesion complexity between khat users and non-khat users.Khat chewing patients had a higher incidence of acute coronary syndrome (54% vs 24%) and higher incidence of spontaneous coronary dissection.

Conclusion

The research suggests that khat use could be harmful to the cardiovascular system, including the coronary arteries. More research is required to completely understand the underlying mechanisms of action and evaluate the impact of khat on coronary arteries.

Keywords:

• khat chewing
• coronary artery disease
• percutaneous coronary intervention
• Somalia

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is, in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.