Risk Factors for Stroke

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to have a stroke with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of having a stroke. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors for stroke include:

Poor Diet

A diet that is high in trans fat, saturated fat, and low in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber increases your risk of having a stroke.

Smoking

Smokers are at higher risk of stroke than people who do not smoke or quit smoking.

Lack of Physical Activity

People who do not get moderate exercise regularly are at increased risk of having a stroke.

Medical Conditions

The following medical conditions increase your risk of having a stroke:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Previous stroke
• Abnormalties of the blood clotting system
• Inflammation of the blood vessels
• Recent heart attack
• Heart valve disease
• Vascular disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Blood fat disorders (such as high LDL cholesterol)
• Obesity

Age

Your risk of having a stroke increases as you age.

Sex

Men are at higher risk of stroke than women are earlier in life, but women’s risk catches up to men’s risk approximately ten years after menopause.

Genetic Factors

Although your risk of stroke is higher if a family member has had a stroke, this risk factor is minimal in relation to the risk factors listed above.

Ethnic Background

African Americans are more likely to have hemorrhagic (bleeding) strokes. This may be due to a higher incidence of high blood pressure among African Americans. This risk is also minimal in relation to the risk factors listed above.