The dangers of smoking aren’t new—but emerging research is now pointing to a shocking link between heavy smoking and unexplained strokes in younger adults, especially men aged 45 to 49. A new study, published in the February issue of Neurology Open Access, suggests that smoking may be a hidden culprit behind cryptogenic strokes—strokes with no known cause—that strike seemingly healthy individuals long before their senior years. The study does not mention if cannabis smoking is also a factor.
What Is a Cryptogenic Stroke?
A cryptogenic stroke is a type of ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blockage disrupts blood flow to the brain. But here’s the catch: unlike typical strokes, the cause of these blockages remains a mystery. The symptoms—weakness, trouble speaking, and vision problems—can be devastating. While most strokes happen after age 65, researchers are now seeing an increase in younger people with these unexplained strokes.
“While smoking has long been linked to ischemic stroke, little is known about how smoking affects people under 50, especially in those with unexplained stroke,” said Phillip Ferdinand, MBChB MRCP, of Keele University in the UK and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. “Recent research has shown an increase in younger people having these unexplained strokes, so it is important to evaluate any potential links. Our study found that smoking may be a key factor.”
To investigate, researchers analyzed 546 people aged 18 to 49 who had suffered an unexplained stroke, comparing them with 546 people of the same age and sex who had not. Participants answered questions about smoking habits, alcohol use, education level, physical activity, and other health conditions.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
- Among those who had an unexplained stroke, 33% were smokers, compared to just 15% in the control group.
- Even after adjusting for other stroke risk factors like alcohol use and blood pressure, researchers found that smokers had more than double the risk of unexplained stroke compared to non-smokers.
- The risk was highest for men, who had more than three times the risk.
- The danger spiked for people ages 45 to 49, who had nearly four times the risk.
- Heavy smoking—defined as more than 20 packs a year—led to an even greater risk:
- Heavy smokers faced a fourfold increase in unexplained stroke risk.
- Male heavy smokers saw nearly seven times the risk.
- Smokers aged 45 to 49 had nearly five times the risk.
Public Health Implications: Smoking Prevention Matters
The findings reinforce the need for stronger public health initiatives aimed at preventing smoking, especially heavy smoking, in younger adults. “Our findings suggest that continued public health efforts around preventing smoking, especially heavy smoking, may be an important way to help reduce the number of strokes happening to young people,” said Ferdinand.
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The study’s findings were primarily based on people of white European backgrounds, so additional research is needed to see if the results apply to other populations. However, the message is clear: quitting smoking, or better yet—never starting—could be a critical step in stroke prevention.
If you or someone you know smokes, consider this study another urgent reason to quit. Brain health is essential for longevity, and smoking is a risk factor that can be controlled. Explore more about stroke prevention and brain health at BrainandLife.org, where you’ll find expert-backed resources, podcasts, and guides on neurological wellness.
