Risks for Stroke

What are the Risks for Stroke

There are several conditions that increase your chances of having a stroke.^[9] Some of them you have control over, some you don't. The good news is you can do something about most of these risk factors. Here's a list of the things you have some control over:

Controllable Risk Factors

• High blood pressure. While you may not be able to avoid getting high blood pressure, you can take medicine to control it. In most cases, it's possible to bring blood pressure down to acceptable levels. A healthy diet and regular exercise can also lower blood pressure.

• Coronary heart disease. While you might not be able to completely control coronary heart disease, you can do some things to improve the condition. Limit the amount of cholesterol in your diet and talk with your doctor about taking baby aspirin on a daily basis.

• Diabetes. Controlling your blood glucose levels along with controlling cholesterol and blood pressure can lower your risk for stroke.^[10]

• Atrial fibrillation. This is a problem in which the upper part of the heart beats too rapidly and too weakly. This can cause blot clots to form in the heart and travel to the brain. Atrial fibrillation can be treated with medicine, pacemakers and surgery.^[11]

• Tobacco use. If you smoke, you should do your best to stop. It is the source of numerous diseases as well as stroke.

• High cholesterol. This increases your likelihood of having a blood clot and increases the risk of stroke. Control the amount of cholesterol in your diet and exercise regularly. Take a statin if diet isn't enough to bring your LDL cholesterol down to an acceptable level.

• Excessive alcohol use. Excessive alcohol use can increase your blood pressure. Limit the amount of alcohol—no more than one drink a day for women or 2 drinks a day for men.

Uncontrollable Risks for Stroke

There are some risks that you won't be able to do anything about, but it's important for you to know about them. If you have any of these risks, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.

• Genetics. Risk for stroke runs in families. If this is true of your family, be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

• Age. The risk of having a stroke doubles for each 10 years of life after age 55.^[12]

• Gender. Men have a 25% greater risk for stroke than women.^[13] The reason for this is not known.

You can take a self-assessment for your risk of stroke online by going to http://www.memorialcare.org/medical_services/stroke/stroke-risk-awarenes.... This assessment does not take the place of your doctor's evaluation or advice. If you think you are at risk, discuss it with your doctor.