People who smoke are twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to non-smokers.  Smoking also carries the risk of  developing other conditions such as cancer, and respiratory (lung) disease.

Carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas found in tobacco smoke, makes it easier for cholesterol to pass through into blood vessels & cause a fatty build up; which can lead to heart disease, angina & increases the chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Your risk of having a stroke reduces when you stop smoking.  Two years after stopping, your chance of having a stroke will have decreased significantly. After 5 years, your risk of having a stroke is about the same as a non-smoker.

For additional information and help, vist the "Stopping Smoking" part of the "Lifestyle Changes and Reducing the Risk of Stroke" section of this website