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

Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: May 23, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology
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