Stroke

Risks

Stroke seems to run in some families. Family members may have a genetic tendency for stroke or share a lifestyle that contributes to the likelihood of stroke. Patients who have one stroke are at increased risk of having another, especially during the year following the original stroke.

Important Risk Factors for Stroke

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Cigarette smoking
• High blood cholesterol level
• Atrial fibrillation (irregular, unusually fast heartbeats)

Other Risk Factors

• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Elevated homocysteine level
• Illicit drug use
• Genetic or congenital conditions
• Male gender
• Black or Hispanic race
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Migraine
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Sickle cell disease

Additional Risk Factors for Women

These factors increase the risk of stroke very slightly.

• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Use of birth control pills