LIMESTONE Coast residents who smoke have been dealt a harsh reality check with a disturbing new study revealing cigarettes were causing 17 preventable deaths across Australia a day from stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
The comprehensive study – led by Australian National University Professor Emily Banks – found smoking was more damaging than previously thought, impacting the entire cardiovascular system.
It found current smokers were doubling their risk of stroke, heart attacks and heart failure and tripling their risk of dying from these diseases, compared to people who had never smoked.
Stroke Foundation clinical council member Associate Professor Seana Gall said the study showed at least 30pc of strokes could be prevented if we could eliminate smoking.
Residents are urged to your doctor about quitting or contact the national Quitline on 127 848 (13 QUIT).
