Who is at Risk of Having a Stroke?:
Stroke risk factors are divided into two categories – controllable and uncontrollable.
If you have one or more of these risk factors your stroke risk is higher, but it does not mean you are doomed to have a stroke. If you have risk factors, it is important to talk with your doctor about what you can do to lower your risk.
Stroke risk factors are divided into two categories – controllable and uncontrollable.
If you have one or more of these risk factors your stroke risk is higher, but it does not mean you are doomed to have a stroke. If you have risk factors, it is important to talk with your doctor about what you can do to lower your risk.
Uncontrollable risk factors are::
Age - A stroke can happen at any age, but stroke risk doubles every ten years after age 55.
Race - African Americans have twice the risk for strokes as whites. Hispanics also have a higher risk than Caucasians.
Family History – You have an increased risk for a stroke if someone in your family has had one.
Previous Stroke or TIA - you have a 25-40% chance of having another stroke in the next 5 years if you have already had a stroke or you have had a transient ischemic attack (mini stroke).
Age - A stroke can happen at any age, but stroke risk doubles every ten years after age 55.
Race - African Americans have twice the risk for strokes as whites. Hispanics also have a higher risk than Caucasians.
Family History – You have an increased risk for a stroke if someone in your family has had one.
Previous Stroke or TIA - you have a 25-40% chance of having another stroke in the next 5 years if you have already had a stroke or you have had a transient ischemic attack (mini stroke).
Controllable Risk Factors - Lifestyle Choices That Increase Stroke Risk:
Smoking doubles the risk for stroke. Smoking damages blood vessel walls and raises blood pressure. If a woman smokes, takes oral contraceptives and has a history of migraines, her stroke risk can be 34 times higher.
Alcohol Use - Drinking more than 2 drinks per day may increase stroke risk by 50%.
Obesity - Excess weight puts a strain on the ciculatory system. It also increases the likelihood of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes -- all of which can increase stroke risk.
Smoking doubles the risk for stroke. Smoking damages blood vessel walls and raises blood pressure. If a woman smokes, takes oral contraceptives and has a history of migraines, her stroke risk can be 34 times higher.
Alcohol Use - Drinking more than 2 drinks per day may increase stroke risk by 50%.
Obesity - Excess weight puts a strain on the ciculatory system. It also increases the likelihood of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes -- all of which can increase stroke risk.
Treatable Diseases That Increase Stroke Risk:
High Blood Pressure - Untreated hypertension can damage blood vessels, major organs and lead to stroke.
Atrial Fibrillation- this irregular heart rhythm increases stroke risk six times.
High Cholesterol can clog arteries and increase stroke risk. It can also lead to heart disease, which is also increases the risk for strokes.
Diabetes increases stroke risk 2-4 times.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
High Blood Pressure - Untreated hypertension can damage blood vessels, major organs and lead to stroke.
Atrial Fibrillation- this irregular heart rhythm increases stroke risk six times.
High Cholesterol can clog arteries and increase stroke risk. It can also lead to heart disease, which is also increases the risk for strokes.
Diabetes increases stroke risk 2-4 times.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk Of Having A Stroke?:
The risk of stroke can be reduced in these ways:
The risk of stroke can be reduced in these ways:
- Controlling High Blood Pressure through lifestyle changes and/or medication.
- Controlling Heart Disease through lifestyle changes and/or medication.
- Stop Smoking.
- Minimize alcohol consumption to two drinks per day or less.
- Weight loss if you are overweight.
- Controlling diabetes through blood sugar monitoring and compliance with your diabetes treatment plan.
What Medical Procedures Help To Prevent Strokes?:
Carotid endarterectomy can reduce the risk of having a stroke within two years by as much as 80% for patients with a 70% or greater blockage. Atherosclerotic plaque is removed to unblock the carotid artery (a large artery in the neck).
Cerebral angioplasty is less invasive than surgery. Balloons, stents and coils are used to treat problems with the brain's blood vessels.
Carotid endarterectomy can reduce the risk of having a stroke within two years by as much as 80% for patients with a 70% or greater blockage. Atherosclerotic plaque is removed to unblock the carotid artery (a large artery in the neck).
Cerebral angioplasty is less invasive than surgery. Balloons, stents and coils are used to treat problems with the brain's blood vessels.
What Medications Help To Prevent Strokes?:
Medications to prevent strokes are most likely geared to control existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease.
Anticoagulants may be used to prevent blood clots from forming in patients who have already had a clot or who are at risk for clotting. Many physicians recommend aspirin for the mild anticoagulation action.
Medications to prevent strokes are most likely geared to control existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease.
Anticoagulants may be used to prevent blood clots from forming in patients who have already had a clot or who are at risk for clotting. Many physicians recommend aspirin for the mild anticoagulation action.
Next - How Are Strokes Diagnosed?
