Stroke Risk Factors
Regardless of age, gender, and body type, anyone can be affected by stroke. The chances of having a stroke increase if someone has certain risk factors, including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, smoking and a family history of stroke. The best way to protect yourself from a stroke is to examine your personal risk factors related to stroke with your physician and seek medical management of the risks.
There are two types of risk factors for stroke: controllable and uncontrollable. As the name suggests, controllable risks can be managed with lifestyle changes and medical treatments.
Controllable Risk Factors
- High blood pressure
- Heart diseases
- Diabetes
- Increased blood cholesterol
- Atherosclerosis
- Physical inactivity (lifestyle-related risk)
- Smoking and alcohol use (life style related risk)
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
- Age
- Gender
- Ethnic group
- Family history
- Previous occurrence of stroke
