Association Between Smoking and Cryptogenic Stroke

A significant correlation exists between smoking and the occurrence of cryptogenic stroke in young individuals, particularly among men. The analysis from the CRETO study indicated that young smokers faced a nearly two and a half times higher risk of stroke when compared to non-smokers, with the association being even stronger for men, reaching over three times the risk. Furthermore, the study highlighted a dose-dependent relationship wherein heavier smokers, defined as those with over 20 pack years, exhibited a fourfold increase in stroke risk. This relationship underscores the importance of targeting smoking cessation as a critical preventative measure for stroke in this demographic.