The Effect of Khat Chewing on Blood Pressure and the Correlation between Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure among Yemeni People in Sana'a City

Hussein S. Gumaih1* , Bushra H AL-Khateeb1 , Wael A. Hadi1 1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sana'a University, Yemen.

Abstract

Background: Khat leaves is chewed habitually by among of Yemeni people for its efficacy on the body energy. Aim: to determine the percentage effect of Khat chewing on blood pressure, and the role of BMI on blood pressure in Khat chewers. Methods: In this study, twenty randomly individuals chewing Khat were selected to measure their blood pressure pre and post Khat chewing session for 20 days. Results: showed about 10% of blood pressure increased above the normal rate after chewing Khat. On the other hand, there was no relationship between the effect of body mass index (BMI) and Khat chewing together on blood pressure. Conclusion: BMI had role on the physiological functions of the body that cause changing in normal blood pressure and gradually become close to hypertension people.