Smoking And The Risk Of Transient Ischemic Attack And Stroke


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Smoking and the risk of transient ischemic attack and stroke

Smoking injures blood vessel walls and speeds up hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). As a result, the heart works harder, and blood pressure may increase. Cigarette smoking has been shown to increase your risk for transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke. 1

Heavy smokers are at greater risk for TIA and stroke. Daily cigarette smoking can increase the risk of stroke by 2½ times. 2

The risk of stroke and TIA decreases for those who quit smoking. If you smoke less than one pack per day when you quit, within 5 years your risk will be the same as though you had never smoked. 2

References

Citations

  1. Mast H, et al. (1998). Cigarette smoking as a determinant of high-grade carotid artery stenosis in Hispanic, black, and white patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack. Stroke, 29(5): 908–912.

  2. Kasner SE, Morgenstern LB (2004). Cerebrovascular disorders. In DC Dale, DD Federman, eds., ACP Medicine, section 11, chap. 4. New York: WebMD.

Credits

Author Robin Parks, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Karin M. Lindholm, DO
- Neurology
Last Updated May 23, 2007
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Last updated: May 23, 2007
Author: Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology
Editors: Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

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