(CNN) - People who smoke menthol cigarettes are more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke, compared to those who smoke non-menthols.
The new study in the April 9th issue of Archives of Internal Medicine also found the risk of stroke was more than three times higher for women and non-African Americans who smoke menthols.
Experts say it's unclear why menthols pose a greater risk of stroke, but do not increase other smoking-related illnesses, like cardiopulmonary problems or lung diseases.
Even though the study finds an elevated threat of stroke from menthol cigarettes, health officials say all cigarette smokers are more prone to illness and disease.