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6. Smoking

Another modifiable stroke risk is smoking. Studies show this habit increases the risk of stroke and that quitting smoking rapidly reduces the risk, returning it nearly to that of a non-smoker after only two to four years.

Cigarette smoking damages the heart in multiple ways, nicotine raises blood pressure, and carbon monoxide reduces the amount of available oxygen in the blood. Even exposure to secondhand smoke can increase stroke risk.

Young woman smoking a cigarette outdoors. VioletaStoimenova/ Getty Images

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