Understanding Stroke
Are You At Risk?
You Can Help Yourself
Diagnosis and Treatment
Survivors and Caregivers
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Physician's Resource


StrokeSense : Are You At Risk?

Smoking

Are You At Risk?

Questions to Ask Your Physician

The Roles of Age and Heredity

Type 2 Diabetes

High Blood Pressure

Heart Disease

Smoking

Obesity

Inactivity

Poor Diet

High Triglyceride/ Cholesterol Levels

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Substance Abuse

Self-Monitoring Your Condition
Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke. Consider these facts:
  • If you smoke, youre twice as likely to suffer an ischemic stroke.
  • Studies show that the more cigarettes you smoke, the greater your risk for stroke.
  • Theres a direct link between smoking and atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries"), a major cause of stroke.
  • The stroke risk is even greater for female smokers who take birth control pills.
  • Constant exposure to secondhand smoke increases a persons risk for stroke.

Reference

Source of Material: RockHill Communications, 14 Rock Hill Road Bala, Cynwyd, PA 19004, (610) 667-2040,
Writer: Christine Norris
Editors: Erin Murphy, Andrea King, Joanne Poeggel, Ron Wozny
Clinical Reviewer: Patt Panzer, M.D.
Date Written: 4/30/01
Last Revised: 4/3/03