Why does smoking cauce stroke high blood pressure?

How does smoking cause stroke and high blood pressure?

Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke and high blood pressure (hypertension). Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, while high blood pressure is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high.

How does smoking increase the risk of stroke?

Smoking increases the risk of stroke in a number of ways.

* Nicotine causes the blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to the formation of blood clots.

* Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke damages the lining of the blood vessels, making them more likely to develop atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up on the inside of the arteries.

* Smoking also increases inflammation throughout the body, which is a major risk factor for stroke.

How does smoking increase the risk of high blood pressure?

Smoking also increases the risk of high blood pressure in several ways.

* Nicotine stimulates the adrenal glands to release hormones that cause the blood pressure to rise.

* Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke damages the endothelium, the lining of the blood vessels. This damage can lead to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can cause the blood pressure to rise.

Smoking and stroke risk:

- Smoking doubles your risk of stroke.

- Smoking causes up to 50 percent of all strokes in people under age 65.

- Women who smoke are twice as likely to have a stroke as women who don't smoke.

- Men who smoke are four times as likely to have a stroke as men who don't smoke.

Smoking and high blood pressure risk:

- Smoking increases your risk of high blood pressure by 2 to 4 times.

- People who smoke are more likely to have high blood pressure than people who don't smoke.

- People who smoke have higher levels of blood pressure than people who don't smoke.

- People who smoke are more likely to die from high blood pressure than people who don't smoke.

Quitting smoking can help to reduce your risk of stroke and high blood pressure. The sooner you quit, the sooner your risk will start to decline.

In addition to the risks of stroke and high blood pressure, smoking also increases the risk of other serious health problems, including:

* Heart disease

* Cancer

* COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

* Peripheral artery disease

* Gum disease

* Diabetes

* Erectile dysfunction

If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking.