Menthol Cigarettes Over Can Stroke Risk

Jakarta, smoking menthol may pose a risk of stroke is greater than other types of cigarettes, especially for non-smokers and women.

Researchers from Canada found the risk of stroke for smokers of menthol two times larger than a regular cigarette smokers who inhale. As for nonsmokers who breathe secondhand smoke menthol risk of stroke can be tripled.

"Menthol in cigarettes stimulates upper airway cold receptors that can block the breathing mechanism. Not clear why only smoke menthol cigarettes increased risk of stroke and no increased risk of other cardiopulmonary diseases," said Dr. Nicholas Vozoris, one of the researchers from St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto .

Research on menthol cigarettes was published on April 9, 2012 in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

"These findings mean that smoking is not better than other types of menthol cigarettes. All types of cigarettes is bad for one's health, and can increase a person's risk of various cancers, heart disease and lung disease," said Vozoris as reported by msn, Monday (23/04/2012).

Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declared a ban on menthol cigarettes because the mint flavor seems to get people interested in non-smokers to smoke. However, the ban menthol cigarettes do not show an association with risk of stroke.

The researchers gathered data from the U.S. in 2001-2008 National Health and nutrition examination survey of more than 5,000 smokers aged 20 years and older. Approximately 26 percent of respondents smoked menthol cigarettes.

"The study of this still has some limitations because the researchers did not consider drug therapy that may affect the smokers and the smoking habits of each person," said Vozoris.

Further research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about the health risks associated with the types of cigarettes. During this study of menthol cigarette just shows the relationship, and have not been able to demonstrate cause and effect.

"But menthol in cigarettes may involve chemicals in the manufacturing process which may lead to its own risk," said Dr. Clinton Wright, a professor of neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.