Stroke remains to be among the leading causes of long-term disability and death worldwide, and sadly, it is predicted to remain so in the future.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stroke claims about six million lives globally each year, making it the second leading cause of death after heart disease. While stroke is not always preventable, there are numerous modifiable risk factors that an individual can modify to reduce their chances of having a stroke. In this article, we will discuss the link between smoking, vaping, and the risk of stroke.

What is a stroke?

A stroke, commonly referred to as a brain attack, occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, which leads to the death of brain cells.

This condition can occur as a result of blockages, which is known as an ischemic stroke, or because of bleeding, referred to as a hemorrhagic stroke.

Smoking and stroke

Smoking is one of the most hazardous habits that an individual can engage in, and it has been proven as a major risk factor for stroke.

According to the American Stroke Association, smokers have twice the risk of getting a stroke compared to non-smokers, and this risk increases depending on the number of cigarettes an individual smokes every day. Individuals who smoke are more susceptible to have a stroke earlier in life, and they tend to develop more severe strokes compared to people who do not smoke.

Furthermore, secondhand smoke or passive smoking also increases the risk of stroke in nonsmokers.

The effect of vaping on stroke risk

Vaping is often believed to be safer than smoking because it does not involve inhaling the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke, but it is still not free of risks.

Studies have demonstrated that vaping can lead to stroke, even among young and otherwise healthy individuals. One study, published in the medical journal Stroke, found that vaping doubles the risk of having a stroke among adults aged 18 to 45 compared to nonsmokers and non-vapers.

Vaping has also been linked to increased blood pressure, which is a primary risk factor for stroke.

The mechanism behind smoking and vaping-associated stroke

Smoking and vaping have numerous chemicals that can damage the lining of the blood vessels, such as nicotine. Nicotine causes blood vessels to narrow and stiffen, making it harder for blood to flow through.

Carbon monoxide, another chemical found in tobacco smoke and vaping fluids, reduces the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry, causing the heart to work harder to pump enough blood around the body. The combined effects of nicotine and carbon monoxide increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which is a condition that involves the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque buildup can eventually lead to stroke.

Quitting smoking and vaping

Quitting smoking and vaping is one of the best ways to prevent stroke, along with other health benefits that come with breaking the habit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following tips for quitting smoking:.

Choose a quit day
Create a plan to quit smoking
Seek support from family, friends, and colleagues
Stay active and avoid triggers
Consider over-the-counter or prescription medication to help you quit

Similarly, if you are trying to quit vaping, the following tips may help:.

Set a quit date and stick to it
Get rid of vaping products and avoid triggers
Ask for support from family and friends or consider joining a support group
Consider using over-the-counter or prescription medications to help you quit
Keep yourself busy with other activities

The bottom line

The link between smoking and stroke is well-established, and the dangers of vaping are becoming more evident.

Both habits increase the risk of stroke, among other life-threatening health issues, and even passive smoking can increase the risk of stroke in nonsmokers. Quitting smoking and vaping is the best way to reduce the risk of stroke and other health problems.