ABSTRACT
This study was done to test the notion that opium can reduce serum lipids and decrease the risk of ischemic heart disease [IHD] in opium addicts; we made a comparison between the lipid profiles of opium addicts and non-addicts. In this study, we compared 100 male opium addicts [according to the ICD-10 criteria] who had referred to addiction treatment centers with 75 healthy male non-addicts. The subjects filled out our research questionnaire and had their fasting serum lipid profile [total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, and triglyceride] evaluated. Among those with a body mass index [BMI] between 18 and 25, the total cholesterol level in the opium addicts was less than that in the control group; there was, however, no difference in terms of LDL, HDL, and TG between the case and control groups. There was a significant difference in BMI between the two groups, which requires further studies to investigate the reason. Opium does not seem to have any impact on triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, and high density lipoprotein. Despite the lower total cholesterol levels in opium addicts [as a known side effect of opium on different body systems], it is not advisable that opium and its extracts be recommended to decrease the risk of IHD