Risk factors
are characteristics that can increase your chance of stroke. Some risk factors cannot be changed.
- Age — Although a stroke can occur at any age, your risk of stroke increases as you get older.
- Gender — Although men have a slightly higher incidence of stroke, women are more likely to die of stroke than are men.
- Family or individual history — Your risk of stroke is higher if a parent or sibling has had a stroke. Also, you are at higher risk if you have already had a stroke or transient ischemic attack, often called a “mini-stroke.”
- Race — Blacks are at greater risk, partly due to a higher incidence of hypertension. Also, blacks can suffer strokes at an earlier age.
Other risk factors
can be controlled through screening, medicine or lifestyle changes.
- High blood pressure
- Tobacco use and exposure to
- secondhand smoke
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity and poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- Atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart beat)
- Sickle cell anemia
- Excessive alcohol use
For more information, read Healthier habits reduce stroke risk factors
