Cigarette smoking is a major, preventable risk factor for stroke. The nicotine and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood. They also damage the walls of blood vessels, making clots more likely to form.

When smokers quit, the body begins a series of changes. According to the American Lung Association: At 20 minutes after quitting, blood pressure decreases and pulse rate drops. At 8 hours after quitting, carbon monoxide levels in your blood drop to normal, and oxygen levels increase to normal. In as little as 24 hours you cut your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

If you are unable to quit smoking, there are some nutritional supplements that may help protect your body’s cells from the damage caused by smoking. Find out more by visiting The World Health Network, www.worldhealth.net, the official educational website of the A4M.