Smoking and stroke

Smoking and stroke

Smoking is the major modifiable risk factor for stroke (CVA), which often lead to disability and even death.

The risk of stroke is 2 times higher in smokers compared with nonsmokers and increases with the number of cigarettes smoked daily. It is estimated that up to 11% of cases of stroke are due to tobacco.

The cause is the nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke, which reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood and affects blood vessel walls.
Smoking and stroke
For women, smoking associated with taking oral contraceptives increase the risk of stroke.

Consitituie stroke the third leading cause of death in Western countries after myocardial infarction and cardiovascular disease. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown smoking as a major risk factor for stroke. We now have concrete evidence that smoking itself is a cause of stroke.
There is a strong link between type of stroke, the amount of tobacco consumed and the effects of quitting.
The relative risk of hardcore smokers (> 40 cigarettes per day) is 2 -4 times that of nonsmokers.
Therefore, smoking is an independent risk factor for stroke, especially ischemic stroke.
All smokers who quit the habit will benefit from reduced risk of stroke, regardless of previous exposure to cigarette smoke. 2 years after tobacco withdrawal, risks decrease by 50% and within 5 years, the risk of stroke returns to normal (equal to that of the general population).
Smoking and stroke
About stroke

Stroke is running obstruarii (blockage) of blood vessels, which prevents blood flow to the brain. Reduction or interruption of blood supply to the brain and vital nutrients can cause irreversible damage it.

A stroke cause serious sequelae mentally and emotionally, complete or partial paralysis and loss of speech or vision.
Smoking and stroke
There are several types of stroke:

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) - is a sign of alarm that can announce the occurrence of a stroke up. In general, TIA does not cause major sequelae, but consult a doctor promptly is required to reduce the risk of stroke.
Hemorrhagic stroke - occurs due to rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. Are less common than ischemic stroke, representing 20% ​​of cases of stroke.
Ischemic - blockage of blood flow is triggered by the brain by a blood clot. Is worse than the previous type and degrade irreversibly brain cells, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients.