Scientists have revealed that smoking could play a significant role in the increase of stroke risk in young and healthy men. In recent years, a mysterious rise in stroke cases among individuals under 50 has left experts baffled. Now, British researchers have obtained striking findings indicating that smoking could be a major cause of this increase. Scientists who examined over 500 stroke patients aged 18 to 49 found that smoking men are seven times more likely to have a stroke. Official data shows that the age group with the highest prevalence of smoking in the UK is 25-34 years old, where one in every six individuals smokes. Moreover, an increase in smoking among male youth in certain regions of the UK has been observed.

Researchers from Keele University emphasized once again how critical efforts to quit smoking are, based on these findings. “Recent studies show an increase in young stroke cases. Our study reveals that smoking is a significant factor in this rise,” they said. According to a report on DailyMail, an analysis of NHS data shows that stroke rates among men under 39 have increased by a quarter in the last twenty years. In contrast, stroke rates in women of the same age group increased by only 1%. In a study published in the journal Neurology, experts compared 546 individuals who experienced a stroke with no apparent cause to those similar in age and gender who did not have a stroke. The research showed that smoking doubles the risk of stroke in individuals, with heavy smokers having up to a fourfold risk.

The risk is significantly higher, especially in smoking men. Smoking men are three times more likely to have a stroke than non-smokers. In men and women aged 45-49 who smoke, this rate increases to fourfold. Individuals who smoke 20 or more packs of cigarettes a year are at the highest risk of stroke.

According to experts, smoking constricts blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the brain. This makes the formation of blood clots easier, thus increasing the risk of stroke. Quitting smoking can decrease this risk over time, but research shows that individuals who quit smoking have a higher risk of stroke compared to non-smokers for five years. In 2004-2005, men accounted for 52.8% of stroke cases in individuals under 39, while this rate nearly doubled to two-thirds of cases in 2023-2024. The rate for women decreased to 42.3%.

Stroke continues to be one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. In the UK, over 100,000 cases of stroke occur annually, with a new stroke case every five minutes. 38,000 people die due to stroke every year. In the US, these numbers reach 795,000 stroke cases and 137,000 deaths.

Experts emphasize the need to strengthen public health policies that promote smoking cessation. Increasing efforts to prevent smoking among young people can play a critical role in reducing stroke cases. Considering the effects of smoking on strokes, combating smoking for a healthy future is more important than ever.