The risk factors Stroke

Many factors can increase the risk of stroke. Some of these factors may increase the chance of a heart attack. The risk factors for stroke include:

Family history or personal stroke, heart attack, or TIA.

 

Age 55 or older.

High blood pressure - the risk of stroke begins to increase when the blood pressure 115/75 mm higher mercury (mm Hg). Your doctor will help determine blood pressure goals based on age, whether diabetes and other factors.

High cholesterol - total cholesterol levels above 200 mg per deciliter (mg / dL), or 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol / L).

Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke.

Diabetes.

Overweight (body mass index 25 - 29) or obese (body mass index of 30 or higher).

No physical activity.

Cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, heart defects, heart infections, or irregular heartbeat.

Use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy including estrogen.

Heavy drinking.

Use as cocaine and methamphetamine drug.

Because the risk of stroke increases with age, and women tend to live longer than men, more men than women have their stroke and death each year. Blacks are more likely to have a stroke than people of other races.