Controlling Risk Factor of Stroke: Smoking and Stroke

“The more you smoke, the more you stroke.”

If you smoke 20 cigarettes daily, your risk of having a stroke is 6 times higher than a non-smoker. If you've already had a stroke and continue smoking, your risk of death within the next year triples. 

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the world

In Singapore, approximately 6 people die daily from from smoking-related diseases. You have the power to choose differently.

Smoking affects your cholesterol levels

Smoking lowers your good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) and raises your bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). When bad cholesterol accumulates in the blood vessels leading to your brain, it creates blockages that restrict blood flow - significantly increasing your stroke risk. 

Smoking affects your heart 

Smoking can trigger atrial fibrillation - a condition where your heart beats irregularly. This condition increases your risk by 5 times.

Smoking affects your blood pressure

Smokers are also more likely to get high blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke. If you are a smoker with high blood pressure, your risk of stroke is significantly increased.

Smoking increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes

Smokers are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes - another major risk factor for stroke: 

• Nicotine from cigarettes reduces insulin's effectiveness in your body
• This creates 'insulin resistance' - your body struggles to use insulin properly
• Blood sugar levels rise as a result
• Your body needs to  produce more insulin to try to control these higher sugar levels

Myth #1: "Cutting down the number of sticks is enough."

False. Every cigarette you smoke exposes your body to more than 7,000 harmful chemicals -  with over 70 of them known to cause cancer. Even one cigarette damages your lungs and blood vessels while increasing your lung cancer risk. While reducing cigarettes can be a helpful first step in your quit journey, only complete cessation gives you the full health benefits you deserve.

Myth #2: “‘Filtered’ cigarettes are safer.”

False. Why 'filtered cigarettes' do not protect you: 

1. False Security, Real Harm - Studies have shown that lower tar levels have little to no effect on reducing your risk of lung and heart diseases and have minimal reduction in lung cancer risk. 

2. Filters Don't Work as Intended - Without realising it, smokers often block filter vents with their fingers and lips while smoking. As a result, you're getting the same toxic dose as an unfiltered cigarette.

3. Compensation Smoking - When smoking "low-yield" cigarettes, smokers unconsciously inhale more deeply to get their nicotine fix. You end up exposing your lungs to even more harmful chemicals. 

Myth #3: “I've already had a stroke; I do not need to quit.”

False. Quitting is more important than ever. Smoking after a stroke significantly increases your risk of having another stroke.  

Myth #4: “I’ve smoked too long. The damage is already done.”

False. Your body starts healing immediately when you quite. 

• Within 8 hours, the oxygen levels in your blood improve, and carbon monoxide and nicotine levels drop by more than half.
• After 2-12 weeks, your blood circulation improves significantly.
• After 5-15 years, your stroke risk drops to the same level as someone who never smoked.

Myth #5: “I have tried quitting and failed so there’s no point trying anymore.”

False. The most important thing is not to give up on yourself. Many ex-smokers made several attempts before they finally quit smoking completely. Just remember, each attempt to quit is a chance for you to better understand what triggers a relapse, so you will know which areas to improve on and what to do, on your next attempt to quit smoking.

Myth #6: “Medication to stop smoking doesn’t help.”

False. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) including lozenges, patches and gums help reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms (irritability,cravings, anxiety). This allows you to focus on breaking the habit of smoking, not just nicotine addiction. When you pair NRT with counselling support, you double your chances of quitting successfully.