The Most Potent Risk Factor for Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is reduced or interrupted. Strokes affect all age groups and races and they affect both men and women. Although some stroke risk factors can't be changed, such as heredity, many risk factors for stroke can be modified.

Significance

• According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. It is also a leading cause of disability.

High Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure is the most potent risk factor for having a stroke, and is the most important controllable risk factor. High blood pressure is a systolic pressure of more than 140 mm Hg, or a diastolic pressure of more than 90 mm Hg.

Treatable Risk Factors

• Some lifestyle choices are treatable risk factors for having a stroke. Examples include cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, high cholesterol and poor diet. Other heart conditions and diabetes are also treatable risk factors.

Other Risk Factors

• Some stroke risk factors can't be controlled, such as heredity and prior stroke, transient ischemic attack or heart attack. Age is another risk factor. The possibility of having a stroke just about doubles every year after the age of 55.

Prevention/Solution

• Although certain risk factors can't be prevented, making healthy lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of having a stroke. Keeping high blood pressure under control is one of the most important things you can do. Choose healthy foods, exercise, manage stress and don't smoke or use illicit drugs.