Risk Factors for Stroke

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