Comprehensive Guide To Stroke Prevention

Quit Smoking

An individual who smokes regularly would have to quit smoking altogether to effectively prevent themselves from experiencing a stroke. The quantity, frequency, and duration of cigarette or cigar smoking all play a role in the increased risk of a stroke. Smoking causes HDL cholesterol to decrease in the body, which promotes the increase of LDL cholesterol. Smoking also promotes hypercoagulability of the blood, increasing the risk of developing blood clots that can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. The toxins in the smoke inhaled into the lungs can cause damage to the alveoli and the lining of the blood vessels, lowering heart functionality and allowing plaque to build up in the vessels. Smoking also promotes the narrowing and hardening of an individual's blood vessels, making them unable to expand with greater blood flow demand. Studies have proven an individual who smokes two packs of cigarettes a day for ten years is at the same risk as another individual who smokes one pack of cigarettes a day for twenty years. Therefore, every day an individual smokes and every pack of cigarettes smoked makes a difference in their stroke risk. An individual who quits smoking will slowly decrease their risk of having a stroke as their body repairs damaged tissue.