Can you have a heart attack or stroke without having high blood pressure?

Yes, it is possible to have a heart attack or stroke without having high blood pressure. While high blood pressure is a major risk factor for both heart attacks and strokes, there are other factors that can contribute to these conditions as well. These include:

* High cholesterol: Having high levels of cholesterol in your blood can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, which can narrow them and restrict blood flow. This can increase your risk of both heart attack and stroke.

* Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and increases your heart rate and blood pressure. It is also a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

* Diabetes: Diabetes damages the blood vessels and nerves, which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

* Obesity: Obesity is linked to a number of risk factors for heart attack and stroke, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

* Family history: People with a family history of heart attack or stroke are at higher risk of developing these conditions themselves.

Even if you have normal blood pressure, it is important to control your other risk factors to reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and what you can do to reduce them.