Abstract
Objective. To present an overview of studies on the relationship between tobacco smoking and risk of cerebral stroke.
Review. Cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor for cerebral stroke. The relative risk of stroke increases with the number of cigarettes smoked, depends on the type of stroke, and is not distinctly related to gender. Middle-aged smokers as compared to non-smokers are the highest risk group. On smoking cessation the relative risk for stroke significantly decreases, which indicates a causative relationship between tobacco smoking and cerebral stroke onset. There is growing evidence that passive smoking is also a stroke risk factor.
Conclusions. Nicotine dependence is a life-threatening condition that should be treated by all medical practitioners representing various specialties.