Anyone – males and females and people of all ages and races – can have a stroke. However, certain risk factors can increase your chance of having a stroke. The good news is that you can decrease your chance of having a stroke by living a healthy lifestyle and, if necessary, working with your primary care doctor or neurologist to further reduce your risk.
The following are controllable risk factors:
- Alcohol use
- Atherosclerosis
- Atrial fibrillation
- Circulation problems
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Smoking and tobacco use
The following are uncontrollable risk factors:
- Age (over 55)
- Gender (male)
- Family history
- Fibromuscular dysplasia
- Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO, or hole in the heart)
- Previous stroke history
- Race (African-American, Asians/Pacific Islander or Hispanic)
If you have several of these risk factors, talk with your doctor about how to manage your stroke risk. If you do not have a doctor, call 704-384-CARE (2273) to find one near you.