Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores the impacts of smoking and alcohol on stroke risk.
“We know smoking and drinking aren’t healthy habits, but we sometimes overlook how they can affect different parts of our body,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “One particularly alarming area is the strong link between tobacco use, alcohol consumption and the increased risk of stroke.”
In recognition of World Stroke Day on 29 October, Affinity Health takes a closer look at how tobacco and alcohol affect blood pressure and stroke risk.
What is stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain gets cut off or slowed down. Without enough oxygen and essential nutrients, the brain can’t function properly. Within minutes, brain cells start dying. Strokes are life-threatening and can result in long-term disabilities.
There are two types of strokes:
- Ischaemic stroke: This happens when a blood clot blocks or narrows a blood vessel in a section of the brain or when there is insufficient blood flow to parts of the brain.
- Haemorrhagic stroke: This type occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts, causing bleeding in the brain.
The link between smoking and stroke risk
The chemicals in tobacco smoke, like nicotine and carbon monoxide, inflame and thicken the walls of your blood vessels. Over time, this leads to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis narrows the arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow. This increases the risk of clots forming, which can result in an ischaemic stroke.
Smoking also raises blood pressure. Nicotine makes your blood vessels tighten and your heartbeat faster, temporarily increasing your blood pressure. If this continues over time, it can lead to chronic high blood pressure – a major risk factor for stroke.
The American Heart Association notes smoking increases stroke risk by 25% to 30%. Secondhand smoke increases the risk of stroke by 20% to 30%.
Alcohol and stroke risk
Excessive alcohol use may cause high blood pressure, weight gain and irregular heartbeats (such as atrial fibrillation), all of which raise the chance of suffering a stroke.
Moderation is key. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, moderate drinking means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
But even within these guidelines, individual factors like your health status, gender and age play a role in how alcohol affects you. Heavy drinking – more than 14 drinks per week for men and more than seven for women – can dramatically raise your stroke risk. A study published in the journal Stroke found that binge drinking can increase your stroke risk by about 56%.
According to the World Health Organization, smoking is responsible for nearly 12% of all deaths due to stroke worldwide. It also reports that alcohol-related strokes account for approximately 1 in 5 ischaemic strokes and 1 in 3 haemorrhagic strokes globally.
Taking action: Reducing your risk
Understanding the risks linked to smoking and alcohol is the first step toward making healthier choices.
Here’s what you can do:
Quit smoking
The moment you quit smoking, your risk of stroke begins to decrease. Within just two years of quitting, your stroke risk can drop by up to 50%. And after five years, it may be as low as that of someone who’s never smoked.
There are plenty of resources available: from nicotine replacement therapies to support groups and counselling. Every cigarette you skip is a step toward better health.
Moderate your alcohol intake
If you drink alcohol, keep it in moderation. Track your consumption and be mindful of how much you’re drinking.
If you struggle to limit your intake, consider seeking help from a healthcare professional.
Manage your blood pressure
Regularly check your blood pressure, especially if you smoke or drink. If it’s high, work with your healthcare provider to develop a plan to manage it through diet, exercise and, if necessary, medication.
Stay active
Regular physical exercise does not reverse the effects of smoking and alcohol, but it does help regulate blood pressure, decrease cholesterol and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Lifestyle choices can make a big difference in reducing the risk of stroke. Whether it’s quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol or adopting healthier habits, every step you take brings you closer to a stroke-free future.
Image credit: Freepik
