Smokers' Spouses Face Higher Stroke Risk

Having a spouse who smokes significantly increases a nonsmoker’s risk of stroke—especially if the nonsmoker used to light up, a US study shows. The stroke risk for those whose spouse smokes but who never have themselves is raised 42%, while the risk for those who are former smokers jumps 72%—about equivalent to a smoker’s stroke risk, Reuters reports.

“Quitting smoking helps your own health and also the health of the people living with you,” said the researcher who headed the study.