Anyone can have a stroke, but certain hereditary factors and
lifestyle choices put some people at greater risk of having a stroke.
- People over the age of 55 have a higher risk, but young people also have strokes.
- Men have a greater risk than women, although the latest data shows that, at all ages, more women than men die from stroke.
- If you have already had a stroke, your risk of having another is greatly increased.
- High blood pressure increases your risk.
- Diabetes increases your risk.
- Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), or "mini strokes," are
strong indicators of a stroke. TIAs produce stroke-like symptoms
without lasting damage. If you have experienced a TIA, you are 10 times
more likely to have a stroke than someone of the same age and sex who
hasn't.
- The chance of stroke is greater in people who have a family history of stroke.
- In general, African Americans have a much higher risk of death and disability from stroke.
- Smoking cigarettes increases your risk. If you smoke cigarettes and take birth control pills, your risk increases dramatically.
- Heart disease increases your risk.
- People who are overweight are at greater risk.
How can you reduce your risk factors?
- Don't smoke!
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Keep your diet healthy.
- Maintain good cholesterol levels.
- Control your blood pressure.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain proper blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.