Smoking

• Smoking is a big risk factor for stroke
  
• If you smoke you are 3 times more likely to have a stroke than if you do not smoke
  
• Passive smoking is also a risk factor for stroke
  
• Smoking increases your blood pressure
  
• Smoking narrows your arteries
  
• Smoking raises your cholesterol
  
• Smoking makes your blood “sticky”, this makes it easier for clots to form
  
• The sticky blood flowing through narrow arteries increases your chances of having a stroke
  

Benefits of Quitting

• You reduce the risk of stroke
  
• Your blood pressure may improve
  
• Your breathing gets easier
  
• Taste and smell are better
  
• Exercise is easier
  
• You reduce the risk of heart disease
  
• You have more money to spend

Sources to help:

Quitline 1850 201 203
Irish Heart Foundation www.irishheart.ie