Effect of Hashish Use by the way of Smoking on Development of Pulmonary Hypertension in Youngs

BACKGROUND: Hashish was reported having either acute or chronic many adverse effects on human body. In this study we aimed to evaluate the probable adverse effects of hashish smoking on pulmonary artery pressure and thus relationship to pulmonary hypertension development in youth by using echocardiographic examination method. METHODS: 21 young patient (age 22.3±2.0) addicted to hashish smoking (duration 6±1.2 years) and 25 healthy youths (age 22.2±1.5) were evaluated echocardiographically. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure through tricuspid regurgitation via continuous wave Doppler and pulmonary wave acceleration time and ratio of pulmonary acceleration time to pulmonary wave ejection time was measured via Pulse wave Doppler by using echocardiography. Also presence of dyspnea was interrogated. Data were analyzed statistically by Mann Whitney-U test. RESULTS: In the comparison of definitive features of groups there is not any significant difference. Pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed in youths addicted to hashish because of raised pulmonary artery pressures, supported by diminished pulmonary acceleration time, diminished ratio of pulmonary acceleration time to ejection time when compared to healthy youths. Dyspnea on either exercise or rest was presented in youths addicted to hashish with 85%. CONCLUSION: In the youth addicted to hashish smoking is closely related to develop pulmonary hypertension due to hashish and its smoke. We brought up that with our echocardiographic findings. This adverse effect of hashish smoking on the lung and the respiratory system is to be emphasized on the seminars or panels to the youth. Also those patients should be consultated to the specialist of cardiology. Serial echocardiographic examination is recommended for development or progression of pulmonary hypertension. [TAF Prev Med Bull. 2008; 7(1): 25-30]