Hookah Smoking Health Dangers Found to Be Comparable to Cigarettes A study out of UCLA found that hookah smoking for half an hour led to cardiovascular risk factors similar to cigarette smoking. 48 healthy, young hookah smokers Researchers saw a heart rate increase of 16 beats per minute, an increase in blood pressure and a significant increase in arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness is considered a key symptom leading to cardiac events such as stroke and heart attack. Mary Rezk-Hanna, lead study author, UCLA School of Nursing, via UCLA Newsroom Mary Rezk-Hanna, lead study author, UCLA School of Nursing, via UCLA Newsroom Previous UCLA study found one of the main attractions of hookah use is the fruity flavors and aromas. Cigarettes are not allowed to have fruity flavors by federal law.