Listed are the major risk factors for a stroke:
There are some risk factors that cannot be changed. Older people, especially people over the age of 55, are at risk. Women have a higher risk and are also more likely to die from a stroke.
Heredity is also a factor; people who have a family history of strokes may carry a gene that puts them at higher risk. Race is also a factor; African Americans have a higher risk than other ethnic groups. Sickle cell disease, which is more common in people of African descent, also may increase the chances of suffering a stroke.
In addition, having a history of cardiovascular events — especially a prior heart attack or TIA is a risk factor for stroke. People who have had a prior heart attack are more likely to have high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation and other heart conditions that can contribute to a stroke.
There are a few major risk factors that can be changed. It is very important to reduce these as much as possible, especially if you have some risk factors that you cannot change such as being female or having a history of prior heart attack.
- Heart disease
- Hypertension/high blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis, especially of the carotid arteries
- Peripheral artery disease
- Untreated atrial fibrillation
- High cholesterol and triglycerides
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Smoking
- Unhealthy diet, especially one that is high in sodium and low in fruits and vegetables
- Sedentary lifestyle
These risk factors often can be removed or at least reduced, leading to an overall lower risk of stroke.
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References
Editors; Understanding Stroke Risk Factors; American Stroke Association; Accessed March 20, 2015
Editors; Stroke Risk Factors; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Accessed March 20, 2015
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