“The more you smoke, the more you stroke.”

If you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, you are six times more likely to have a stroke compared to a non-smoker. Continuing to smoke after a stroke also triples your risk of death within a year.

Smoking affects your cholesterol levels

Inhaling cigarette smoke reduces good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) and increases bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) in your bloodstream. This can clog up your blood vessels and increase your risk of stroke when the brain does not received enough blood flow. 

Smoking is the largest cause of preventable deaths in the world

In Singapore each day, about 6 people die prematurely from smoking-related diseases. The choice is in your hands.

Smoking affects your heart 

Smoking may trigger an episode of irregular heart rhythm, a heart condition known as atrial fibrillation, that increases your risk of stroke by 5 times.

Smoking affects your blood pressure

Smokers are also more likely to get high blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke. If you are a smoker with high blood pressure, your risk of stroke is significantly increased. 

Smoking increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes

Smokers are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, which is a common risk factor for stroke. The nicotine from smoking cigarette can lessen the effectiveness of insulin, leading to insulin resistance. This results in higher blood sugar levels causing smokers to need more insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

Myth #1: "Cutting down the number of sticks is enough."

False. Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, of which more than 70 are linked to cancer. Even one cigarette can damage your lungs and blood vessels, as well as increase the risk of lung cancer. Cutting down the number of sticks can be the first step, but do plan to stop completely for the full health benefits.

Myth #2: “I’m smoking ‘filtered’ cigarettes which are less harmful.”

False. Filtered cigarettes do not reduce the harmful effects of smoking for the following reasons:

1. Use of filters provide a false sense of security. Studies have shown that lower tar levels have little to no effect on reducing risk of lung and heart diseases; and have minimal reduction in risk of lung cancer.

2. Smokers subconsciously block the filter vents with their fingers and mouth. As a result, the harmful chemicals are not filtered out effectively.

3. Smokers tend to inhale deeply when smoking low-yield cigarettes to get nicotine high.

Myth #3: “Since I already have a stroke, I do not need to quit.”

False. Smoking after a stroke can further increase our risk for another stroke. 

Myth #4: “I’ve been smoking for a very long time. It is too late for me to reverse its effect and recover.”

False. The benefits of quitting start right away. Within 8 hours, your oxygen levels improve, and carbon monoxide and nicotine levels reduce by more than half. After 2-12 weeks, your blood circulation improves. After 5-15 years, your risk of stroke is reduced to that of a non-smoker.

Myth #5: “I have tried quitting and failed so there’s no point trying anymore.”

False. The most important thing is not to give up on yourself. Many ex-smokers made several attempts before they finally quit smoking completely. Just remember, each attempt to quit is a chance for you to better understand what triggers a relapse, so you will know which areas to improve on and what to do, on your next attempt to quit smoking.

Myth #6: “Medication to stop smoking doesn’t help.”

False. Some medications, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) including lozenges, patches and gums, help to reduce withdrawal symptoms so you can focus on resolving issues that cause you to smoke. Paired with counselling, these medications can double your chances of quitting for good.