Risk Factors for Stroke


What are your odds of experiencing a stroke? 
Several risk factors increase your odds, and if you have more than one of these factors, your risk is amplified.

What are the factors I can control?

High blood pressure. This may be the single most important modifiable risk factor for stroke. It usually has no specific symptoms and no early warning signs. Know your blood pressure and have it checked at least once every two years (above 120/80 is considered abnormal and above 140/90 requires medication). Talk to your doctor about how to control it.

Smoking. If you smoke, you double your stroke risk. 

Heart disease and diabetes. Heart problems--particularly a condition known as atrial fibrillation--add to vulnerability, as does diabetes. 

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). If you've had one of these "mini-strokes," you're nearly 10 times more apt to have a stroke than someone of the same age and sex who has not had a TIA. 

High cholesterol. Because high cholesterol increases heart disease risk, it also indirectly contributes to stroke risk. A cholesterol level of more than 200 is considered high, but recent studies suggest that optimal levels should be even lower.

Carotid artery disease. This buildup of fatty deposits in either of two main neck arteries significantly heightens risk. 

Sleep apnea. The cessation of breathing during sleep, or sleep apnea, may cause high blood pressure, which may lead to stroke or heart attack. Diagnosing sleep apnea early may be an important stroke prevention tool.
 

What are the risk factors I can’t control?

Increasing age. Two-thirds of all strokes occur in people older than 65.

Gender. In most age groups, more men than women have stroke, but more women die from stroke.

Ethnicity and family history. African Americans face twice the stroke risk of most other ethnic groups. Risk is also higher in people with a family history of stroke. 

Prior stroke. Someone who has had a stroke is at higher risk of having another one.

 

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Understand the risk factors and assess your risk for stroke—an interactive tool from the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention that estimates your risk of stroke and provides personalized tips for prevention.

Entendiendo los derrames cerebrales
Señales de aviso, factores de riesgo y que hacer respecto a ellos.

 

The signs of stroke are distinct because they happen quickly:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech 
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience these symptoms and take brain-saving action.