Smoking and Strokes

Smokers Are Twice As

Likely to Suffer Strokes

New Study Suggests Smokers Are Twice

As Likely to Have Strokes Than Non-Smokers.

Not only are smokers twice as likely to suffer strokes, they are almost a decade younger than non-smokers when they have them, according to a study presented during the October 2011 conference at the Canadian Stroke Congress.

Between January 2009 and March 2011, researchers studied

982 stroke patients (264 smokers and 718 non-smokers) at an Ottawa prevention clinic. They found the average age of stroke patients who smoked was 58, compared to age 67 for non- smokers. "The information from this study provides yet another important piece of evidence about the significance of helping people stop smoking, "research scientists from the University of

Ottawa Heart Institute. "It also alerts the neurology community to the importance of addressing smoking in stroke patients."

Smoking causes a build-up of debris on the inside of blood vessels, the dangerous cardiovascular condition known as atherosclerosis, and it contributes to a higher likelihood of clots forming.

The Ottawa Hospital study found smokers have double the risk
of a stroke caused by a dislodged blood clot (ischemic stroke) and four times the risk of a stroke caused by a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke) than the non-smoking population.

Smokers also have a greater chance of having more complications and recurrent strokes...

Patients who have had a minor stroke are 10 times more likely
to have a major stroke, especially if they continue to smoke,
the researchers said.

If a person stops smoking, their risk for stroke or heart disease decreases. Within 18 months to two years of quitting, the risks of stroke are about the same as for non-smokers.

The researchers want to see these
key initiatives enforced...

Reduce tobacco access to minors.

Ensure tobacco is appropriately priced.

Act more aggressively to deal with contraband tobacco.

Be more systematic, from a health system's point of view,

in terms of helping those who are smokers quit.

Create an integrated smoking cessation unit within the
healthcare community

"Stroke is preventable," said Deputy Director of the Canadian Stroke Network: Dr. Sharma, "This study highlights the sizeable role smoking has on stroke. Quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, following a healthy diet and being physically active significantly reduce the risk of stroke."

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, hundreds of thousands of people in The United States and Canada will die prematurely each year due to tobacco use. This study reinforces the importance of education, prevention programs, and legislation. "It is critical for governments to continue to wage
the battle against tobacco industry products,"

conclude the doctors involved in the Canadian study
"This includes the renewal of the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy, which is set to expire next spring, and ensuring that Canada adopts plain and standardized tobacco packaging."

Story Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

"Smokers twice as likely to have strokes,

study suggests" (2011, October 3).

This article is for informational and educational purposes only;

It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your doctor or healthcare professional.