Risk Factors

Controllable Risk Factors

• High Blood Pressure is the most important risk factor. It should be below 140/90.
• Tobacco use: If you smoke, get help to quit NOW!
• Diabetes Mellitus: Work with your doctor to manage your diabetes and control your other risk factors.
• Atrial Fibrillation: A type of irregular heart rhythm that can cause blood clots.
• Heart Disease: Twice the risk of stroke as persons without heart disease.
• High Cholesterol results in deposits of plaque on blood vessel walls.
• Physical Inactivity: Just move!! 20 minutes of exercise 4 to 5 times a week decreases risk factors for stroke.
• Obesity: Losing weight can decrease or prevent other risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Certain blood disorders: Sickle cell anemia or high red cell count is a risk factor for stroke.
• TIA: Mini-strokes or stroke-like symptoms that resolve are a warning sign for stroke.

Quick Links: What is a Stroke? Effects of a Stroke What is a TIA? Stroke or TIA Warning Signs Stroke Risk Assessment How to Reduce Your Risk Stroke Treatment & Prevention Stroke Center

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

• Age: Anyone, any age, can have a stroke, but as your age increases, so does your risk.
• Gender: More common in men, although more women than men die of stroke.
• Heredity: Stroke risk is greater if a close blood relative has had one.
• Prior Stroke or Heart Attack: If you have had one, your risk increases for having another one.

People With an Elevated Risk of Stroke

• Age 55 and over
• Family history of stroke or heart disease
• Prior stroke or TIA
• High blood pressure
• Increase in red blood cell count
• Heart disease and/or vascular disease
• Diabetics
• Smokers