Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 13: For some smokers, having a cigarette before bed may seem like a harmless nightly ritual to unwind. However, neurologists warn that even smoking just one cigarette a day should not be considered safe when it comes to brain and blood-vessel health.

Dr Bhushan Joshi, Consultant Neurologist at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, said smoking remains a recognised risk factor for stroke and that the concern is not limited to heavy smokers. Even modest smoking can increase cardiovascular risk, he explained.

Cigarette smoke contains nicotine and carbon monoxide, both of which can affect the cardiovascular system. Nicotine can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate, while carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen efficiently.

Smoking can also damage the inner lining of blood vessels and contribute to the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries. Over time, these changes can narrow and weaken blood vessels, increasing the possibility of a clot blocking blood flow to the brain.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, brain cells can begin to die within minutes, making timely medical treatment crucial.

Smoking before bedtime does not make the habit less harmful. A cigarette smoked shortly before going to sleep still exposes the body to nicotine and other toxic substances. The risk may be particularly concerning for people who already have conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.

The relationship between smoking and stroke is also not simply determined by the number of cigarettes consumed. Even modest smoking can carry a significant share of the cardiovascular risk associated with heavier smoking.

Quitting smoking remains one of the most important steps towards reducing stroke risk. While cutting down can be a starting point, the safer goal is to stop smoking altogether rather than assuming that one cigarette a day is harmless.

Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks, physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep and proper management of diabetes can also help protect brain and blood-vessel health.

People should also be alert to possible warning signs of stroke, including sudden facial drooping, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, vision problems, severe dizziness or an unexplained headache. Stroke is a medical emergency, and rapid treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Treatment depends on the type of stroke and how quickly the patient reaches medical care. In eligible patients with an ischaemic stroke caused by a blood clot, clot-busting medication may be administered. In some cases, a large clot can be removed through mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure in which a thin catheter is used to retrieve the clot.

Brain haemorrhage may require medication or surgery depending on its severity. Early treatment is essential to reduce the risk of irreversible brain damage and disability, with the first few hours being particularly important for eligible stroke patients who may benefit from clot-busting treatment.

Ultimately, a bedtime cigarette should not be viewed as a harmless exception simply because it is the only cigarette of the day. When it comes to protecting brain and blood-vessel health, quitting smoking altogether remains the safer choice.