Betel Nut Usage Is a Major Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease

AIM: The objective of our study was to assess betel nut usage as one of the major risk factors associated with coronary artery disease. METHODS: This case control study consisted of 300 controls and 300 cases. A structured questionnaire was administered to the participants to assess consumption of betel nut and confounding variables. A respondent was considered a regular consumer of betel nut if he/she consumed one or more pieces of betel nut every day for a period of greater than 6 months. RESULTS: About 8 in 10 betel nut chewers developed coronary artery disease. After adjusting for diabetes and hypertension, the odds ratio analysis depicted 7.72 times greater likelihood for coronary artery disease in patients who chewed betel nut for more than 10 years. CONCLUSION: Our study concludes that betel nut chewing is a significant risk factor leading to the development of coronary artery disease.