They often occur together and cause major problems with breathing. COPD is a common cause of suffering and death in older people. The more and longer you smoke, the greater the risk. Smoking and stroke Just as a smoker's arteries to the heart become narrowed and blocked, so can a smoker's carotid arteries to the brain. Cutting off the blood supply to part of the brain causes a stroke.
Strokes are often fatal.
Nonfatal strokes commonly leave people unable to care for themselves. Smoking can narrow other arteries, cutting off the supply of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues. This often happens in the leg and causes pain when walking. Nonhealing ulcers and gangrene can also occur. This sometimes leads to surgery to remove the foot.