A stroke can be a life-altering event, leaving you with physical, emotional, and cognitive changes that require long-term rehabilitation and therapy. But there’s one habit in particular that you should absolutely quit if you want to drastically reduce your chances of dying after a stroke: Smoking.
The Link Between Smoking and Stroke Survival
When it comes to surviving a stroke and making a full recovery, quitting smoking is of utmost importance. According to European researchers, stroke survivors who continue to smoke are three times more likely to die within the first year after their stroke. The study tracked around a thousand stroke patients who were also smokers and found that those who gave up the habit after hospitalization for a stroke significantly improved their chances of survival for more than a year.
So, what exactly is it about smoking that makes it so dangerous for stroke survivors?
Why Smoking is So Dangerous After a Stroke
Smoking affects your cardiovascular system in a multitude of ways, including increasing blood pressure, damaging blood vessel walls, and contributing to the buildup of artery-clogging plaque. All of these can lead to an increased risk of a stroke.
Additionally, smoking also decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which forces the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. This added stress on the heart can significantly increase the risk of additional strokes in the future.
Researcher Furio Colivicchi highlights the importance of quitting smoking post-stroke, stating, “Quitting smoking after an acute ischemic stroke may be more effective than any medication in reducing the risk of further adverse events.” However, he also notes that stroke patients who resume active smoking after leaving the hospital can raise their risk of dying by as much as three-fold.
How to Quit Smoking After a Stroke
Regaining your health and significantly improving your chances of long-term survival after a stroke requires you to stop smoking. It’s not easy, but with the right support and strategies, it can be done. Start by talking to your healthcare team, who can provide guidance and recommend resources to help you.
Here are some tips for quitting smoking after a stroke:
- Prepare yourself mentally: Acknowledge the challenges ahead, and understand that it won’t be easy. But remember, the benefits far outweigh the difficulties you will face while quitting. Keep thinking about your long-term health and survival.
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Use nicotine replacement therapy: There are numerous options available, from patches and gum to lozenges and inhalers. Talk to your doctor about which option may be best for you.
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Get support: Reach out to friends, family, or a support group for encouragement and assistance. Shared experiences can be valuable in overcoming challenges towards a smoke-free life.
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Engage in healthy activities: Replace smoking with healthier options, such as exercise, hobbies, or social activities, to help keep your mind off smoking.
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Manage stress: Quitting smoking can cause stress, but it’s important to find ways to cope without reaching for a cigarette. Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in activities that help you relax.
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Reward yourself: Give yourself small rewards for reaching milestones, such as a special dinner or a new item of clothing. Celebrate your progress and remind yourself of how far you’ve come.
Benefits of Quitting Smoking After a Stroke
Quitting smoking has numerous benefits for those who have survived a stroke or are at risk of a stroke. Some of the benefits include:
- Improved cardiovascular health: Quitting smoking can help lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of developing blood clots, and overall improve your heart health, reducing the risk of future strokes.
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Better lung function: Within a few months of quitting, your lung function can improve, making breathing easier and reducing the risk of respiratory complications.
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Lower risk of additional health issues: In addition to reducing stroke risks, quitting smoking can also lower your risk of developing other serious health issues, such as heart disease, various types of cancer, and lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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Improved quality of life: By quitting smoking, you’re likely to experience a better quality of life, with fewer health-related issues, clearer thinking, and an overall feeling of wellness.
Final Thoughts
Smoking after a stroke can be a death sentence, with a three-fold increase in the risk of death within a year. By quitting smoking, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance of recovery and long-term survival. It’s never too late to quit – every day that you’re smoke-free is a step in the right direction. Reach out to your healthcare team and your support network for guidance and encouragement, and take control of your health today.
