Spouses At Risk Of Stroke From Secondhand Smoke

Thursday, October 02 2008

Researchers have found that non-smokers who are married to smokers are at greater risk of experiencing a stroke; a risk increased by an alarming 42%. Ex-smokers married to smokers also have a greater risk of stroke. The findings, published in the September issue of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, add to the evidence that secondhand smoke is unhealthy. The study is one of the few that has focused on the link between secondhand smoke and stroke risk. Couples were evaluated over a period of nine years, and while the study only observed married couples, it is safe to assume that the same results apply to unmarried couples living together.

The risk of stroke seems to decrease immediately when the smoker quits.