Relationship between platelet indices and lipid status in chronic hookah consumption

Hookah smoking is a growing trend, both in the world and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of this study was to determine the value of platelet indices in hookah smokers and find out associations with lipid profile. Cross-sectional study included 60 students (30 chronic hookah smokers and 30 non-smokers). The complete blood count (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte and platelet indices), lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C) were determined. The platelet count, mean platelet volume and MPV/Platelets ratio were statistically significantly higher in chronic hookah consumers in the student population than in the control group (p<0.001). In addition, platelet count was in significant positive correlation with values of total cholesterol, LDL-C and negative correlation with value of HDL-C, while there was a significant negative correlation between mean platelets volume, and MPV/Platelets ratio with HDL cholesterol levels in chronic hookah smokers (p<0.05). These findings suggest that chronic hookah consumption could be associated with the development of atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels, which could lead to the development of long-term consequences on the cardiovascular system's function.