Syncope associated with water pipe smoking

The water pipe (narghile) in particular is widely used in the Arabian Peninsula and the Turkish world, and has also recently become an increasingly popular way of consuming tobacco in Europe. Contrary to popular belief, it contains more tar, carbon monoxide (CO) and toxic gases than cigarettes. This report describes a patient presenting to the emergency department with syncope as a result of water pipe use, with tests revealing toxically high CO levels.