The effects of smokeless tobacco “Maras powder” and smoking on aortic elasticity in young adults

OBJECTIVES
Stiffness index beta (SIB), aortic strain (AS) and distensibility (AD) are the parameters used to assess elasticity of the aorta, and can be measured by non-invasive method such as echocardiography. In this study, we aimed to analyse the effects of Maraş powder and smoking on aortic stiffness by comparing young individuals.

STUDY DESIGN
The study included 90 male subjects aged 18-40 years. 30 subjects were Maras powder users (mean age; 32±2), 30 were smokers (mean age: 28±2) and 30 were healthy volunteers (mean age: 29±2). After detailed physical examination, all subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Systolic and diastolic diameters of the aorta were measured from the ascending aorta at modified parasternal long axis views by M-mode echocardiography. AS, AD, and SIB were calculated using standard formulae. Group parameters were then compared to each other.

RESULTS
There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic and clinical features, including blood pressures, lipid profile and serum creatinine (p>0.05). Although AS and AD were lower, and SIB was higher in the Maraş powder and smoking groups compared to the control group, the difference between groups was not statistically significant (for AS: 17.61±2.22, 17.75±1.93, 18.48±2.02 respectively, for AD: 9.03±1.12, 9.14±0.96, 9.9±1.12, respectively, for SIB: 2.72±1.07, 2.59±0.88, 2.37±0.71 respectively, for all p>0.05).

CONCLUSION
Our study revealed that smoking and Maraş powder did not lead to a significant change in elasticity of the aorta in individuals under the age of 40.