Smoking damages blood vessel walls, speeds up the clogging of arteries by deposits, raises your blood pressure and makes your heart work harder. It also makes you more likely to have other stroke risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Its specific role in stroke has not yet been determined or proven. Have your blood pressure checked often. If it is elevated, follow your doctor's advice on how to lower it.
Smoking is the biggest risk factor for vascular disease.
If you stop smoking now, your stroke risk will drop significantly within two years. Within five years of quitting, your stroke risk will be the same as someone who's never smoked. Also avoid being around others who are smoking. Exercise helps control weight and may make the heart stronger and improve circulation. In addition, active people tend to have lower cholesterol levels.