Controllable Risk Factors
Risk factors for stroke that can be changed, treated or medically managed:
- High Blood Pressure - The most important controllable risk factor for stroke is controlling high blood pressure.
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Heart Disease -
Heart disease is the second most important risk factor for stroke and the major cause of death among survivors of stroke.
- Diabetes - Diabetes is strongly linked with high blood pressure and, although diabetes is a treatable condition, increases a person's risk for stroke.
- Cigarette Smoking - Smoking doubles a person's risk of having a stroke.
- History of Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) - A TIA is a "warning stroke" or "mini-stroke" that produces stroke-like symptoms but does not cause lasting damage. A person who has had one or more TIAs is almost 10 times more likely to have a stroke than someone of the same age and sex who has not had a TIA.
- High Red Blood Cell Count - A moderate increase in the number of red blood cells thickens the blood and makes clots more likely, thus increasing the risk for stroke.
- High Blood Cholesterol and Lipids - High blood cholesterol and lipids increase the risk for stroke.
- Lack of Exercise, Physical Inactivity - Lack of exercise and physical inactivity increases the risk for stroke.
- Obesity - Excess weight increases the risk for stroke.
- Drug Abuse - Intravenous drug abuse carries a high risk of stroke from cerebral embolisms (blood clots). Cocaine use has been closely related to strokes, heart attacks and a variety of other cardiovascular complications. Some of them, even among first-time cocaine users, have been fatal.
- Excessive Alcohol Use - More than two drinks per day raises blood pressure, and binge drinking can lead to stroke.
Non-Controllable Risk Factors
Risk factors for stroke that cannot be changed:
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Age -
For each decade of life after age 55, the chance of having a stroke more than doubles.
- Race - African-Americans have a much higher risk of death and disability from a stroke than Caucasians, in part because the African-American population has a greater incidence of high blood pressure.
- History of Prior Stroke - The risk of stroke for someone who has already had one is many times greater that of a person who has not had a stroke.
- Family History of Stroke - The chance of stroke is greater in people who have a family history of stroke.
- Season, Geographic Climate and Temperature - Stroke occurs more frequently during periods of extreme hot or cold temperatures. Also, individuals who live regions where temperatures are at a constant extreme are more likely to have a stroke.
