New study shows elevated stroke risk from smoking

A Canadian study has shown that smokers are more likely to suffer from strokes at an earlier stage in their lives than non-smokers.

Researchers from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Ottawa Hospital have studied data from 982 local stroke patients, finding that smokers were more than twice as likely to be affected.

Moreover, the average age of patients among smokers was 58, compared to 67 among those who did not smoke, with this link being attributed to the negative impact the habit can have on blood vessel functions.

Further data showed that those who smoke are at an elevated risk of major strokes and recurrent health problems, while those who quit will see their susceptibility decreasing accordingly.

Dr Andrew Pipe of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute said the study "alerts the neurology community to the importance of addressing smoking in stroke patients".

This comes in the same week that the UK government banned cigarette vending machines across England in a bid to curb the habit.