You might think you’ve heard it all before, but smoking doesn’t just put you at risk for lung cancer and heart disease. It’s also linked to the risk of a fatal brain bleed. More than 45 million Americans smoke every day, and by doing so, they double their risk of a burst aneurysm leading to life-threatening and disabling consequences.
Understanding Aneurysms and Brain Bleeds
An aneurysm is a bulge in a weakened artery. When this bulge bursts, it can cause blood to leak into the brain. The chances of surviving a ruptured aneurysm are only about 50-50. And, if you survive, you’ll likely be disabled for life.
Brain bleeds, or hemorrhagic strokes, are extremely dangerous and can lead to long-term disability or death. Understanding the connection between smoking and the risk of an aneurysm is crucial to preventing these life-altering outcomes.
The Immediate Effects of Smoking on Arteries
In the short term, smoking thickens blood and drives up blood pressure, both of which can increase the risk of a brain bleed. When you light up a cigarette, the nicotine and other toxic chemicals damage the lining of your arteries. This damage can lead to the formation of plaque, which narrows your arteries and makes it harder for oxygen-rich blood to flow.
High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for a stroke. When your blood pressure is consistently too high, it puts a strain on your arterial walls and weakens them, increasing the likelihood of an aneurysm.
Long-Term Changes in Artery Walls from Smoking
But there’s more to the story than just the immediate effects of smoking. Researchers found that smoking also induces permanent changes in the structure of artery walls, which may be more significant in heavy smokers.
Researchers believe that long-term smoking could weaken the walls of the arteries that supply blood to your brain, making them more susceptible to developing an aneurysm in the first place. These structural changes in your arteries could persist even if you quit smoking, and they could continue to put you at an increased risk of a brain bleed down the line.
Reversing the Effects of Smoking
The good news is that many of the effects of smoking can be reversed by simply quitting. When you stop smoking, your blood pressure and blood thickness will return to a more normal state, reducing your risk of a brain bleed.
However, it’s essential to understand that quitting smoking is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your smoking history, the damage to your arteries could be permanent. To help reduce your risk of a brain bleed, you may also need to address other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
Reducing Your Risk of a Brain Bleed
Quitting smoking is the first and most critical step you can take to reduce your risk of a brain bleed. But there are other lifestyle changes you can make to protect your brain health:
- Control your blood pressure: Keep a close eye on your blood pressure numbers and take steps to lower them if they’re too high. A healthy diet, regular exercise, reducing sodium intake, and managing stress can all help keep your blood pressure in check.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can put added strain on your arteries and increase your risk of developing an aneurysm. Focus on consuming a balanced, nutritious diet and getting regular exercise to help you reach a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly: Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week can help lower your risk of a brain bleed by improving your overall cardiovascular health.
- Limit alcohol intake: Drinking excessively can lead to high blood pressure and other risk factors for a brain bleed. Stick to moderate alcohol consumption — up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other serious health issues. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine to help keep stress levels under control.
Take Action Today To Protect Your Brain Health
Every cigarette counts when it comes to your health. Quitting smoking is by far the most effective way to reduce your risk of a fatal brain bleed. Combine that with other lifestyle changes to keep your arteries strong and resilient, and you’ll be taking powerful steps to protect your brain and overall health for years to come.
