Tobacco Control and Smoking

Factsheets - Tobacco More than Doubles Your Risk of Stroke

Fact Sheet 13: Tobacco more than doubles your risk of stroke

Smoking is a major cause of strokes.^1,2 Smokers are four times more likely to have a stroke compared with non-smokers.³ This risk is particularly elevated in younger people.² Non-smokers living with smokers are also more likely to suffer a stroke.³

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain suddenly becomes blocked (ischaemic stroke) or bleeds (haemorrhagic stroke). This results in part of the brain dying and causes loss of function of that part of the brain. A stroke may lead to death or affect functions such as movement of body parts, vision, swallowing and communication.^4,5

Ischaemic strokes are generally as a result of atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries and their branches.⁶ Atherosclerosis occurs when there is a narrowing and clogging of the arteries, which reduces blood supply, and the amount of oxygen available, throughout the body.⁷

Smoking cigarettes is known to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. The more cigarettes you smoke the greater the development of carotid artery atherosclerosis8 and the higher the risk of having a stroke.

Some people experience a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) before a stroke. TIA's are sometimes called 'mini-strokes' and are important predictors of stroke.^4,5 A TIA produces temporary stroke-like symptoms that leave no residual signs. One in three people who have had a TIA will go on to have a stroke and another one in three will have repeated TIAs. ^4,5

Stroke is the one of the largest single causes of death in New Zealand. In 2004, 2,806 people died as a result of stroke (9.8 percent of all deaths).⁹ Approximately a third of people will die within a year of having a stroke.¹⁰

Your risk of stroke decreases after quitting. Between five and 15 years after quitting your risk of having a stroke is the same as that of a non-smoker.⁷

Want to quit smoking? The most important thing is to make a quit attempt. For help, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, quit smoking provider or call the Quitline on 0800 778 778 or visit The Quit Group web site at www.quit.org.nz