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 stroke. People who have had a stroke are at increased risk of having another one, especially during the first year following the original stroke.

Important risk factors for stroke are:

• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• heart disease
• diabetes
• cigarette smoking
• high blood cholesterol levels

Other risks include:

• heavy alcohol consumption
• elevated homocysteine level
• illicit drug use
• genetic or congenital conditions
• male gender
• African American or Hispanic race
• sedentary lifestyle
• obesity

Some risk factors for stroke apply only to women. The factors, which very slightly increase the risk of stroke, include:

• pregnancy
• childbirth
• use of birth control pills