What's Your Risk for a Stroke?
Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the brain does not get the oxygen-rich blood it needs. Grand View's award-winning Stroke Care Program and our Cardiovascular Center of Excellence at Grand View wants you to know the following about this leading cause of death:
Stroke Risk Factors
Stroke Symptoms
Stroke Facts
Are You at Risk for Stroke? Test Your Knowledge
Several risk factors contribute to your risk of stroke - some are controllable, others aren't.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors for Stroke*
Age:
Are you over age 55? |
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Your chances of having a stroke goes up with age, doubling with each decade past age 55. Yet, it is still possible to have a stroke before 55. |
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Gender:
Are you male? |
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Men have a slightly higher stroke risk than women. Although, no matter the age, women are more likely to die from stroke than men. |
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Family History:
Does your family have a history of stroke? |
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Having a family history of stroke may increase your risk for stroke. |
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Race:
Are you of African-American descent? |
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African Americans have a greater risk for stroke than other racial groups. This may be due to a greater incidence of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. |
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Previous TIA, Stroke, or Heart Attack:
Have you had a TIA, stroke, or heart attack? |
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TIAs or "mini-strokes" are warning signs of stroke. If you have had a TIA you are almost 10 times more likely to have a stroke. If you have had a previous stroke or heart attack, you are also more likely to have a stroke. |
*Having one or more uncontrollable risk factor does not necessarily mean you will have a stroke. It does mean that you should pay attention to risk factors you can control through lifestyle changes or medical treatment. It's also important to talk to your doctor about your risk factors.
Controllable Risk Factors for Stroke*
High Blood Pressure:
Is your blood pressure always more than 140/90? |
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Normal blood pressure is regularly at or below 120/80. High blood pressure is considered the most important risk factor for stroke because it adds to your heart's workload and damages your arteries and organs over time. |
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Diabetes:
Do you have diabetes? |
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Having diabetes may cause you to have circulatory problems. People with diabetes often have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and are overweight - increasing the risk. |
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High cholesterol:
Do you have high cholesterol? |
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Plaque that builds up in the arteries can break away and move to the brain, causing blockages. Diet and exercise may help lower your cholesterol. Medications are also available. |
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Carotid or other artery disease:
Do you have carotid or artery disease? |
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The carotid arteries deliver blood to your brain. If arteries become blocked, a stroke may occur. A person with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), may be at increased risk for carotid artery disease. |
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Atrial fibrillation:
Do you have atrial fibrillation? |
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Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder. Having this condition raising the risk for stroke because the heart does not beat effectively, letting blood pool and clot. |
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Heart disease:
Do you have heart disease? |
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Types of heart disease, like coronary heart disease and heart failure, are important risk factors for stroke. |
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Sickle cell disease:
Do you have sickle cell disease? |
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This red blood cell condition primarily affects African American and Hispanic children. Red blood cells are not as capable of carrying oxygen throughout the body - increasing stroke risk. |
Other Risk Factors
According to the American Stroke Association, there are also other risk factors that have been associated with stroke risk:
Geographic location:
Where do you live? |
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Strokes seem to be more common in the southeastern region of the United States. |
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Socioeconomic factors:
Do you have a lower or higher income? |
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Some evidence suggests that strokes are more common among people with a lower income than those with higher incomes. |
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Smoking:
Do you smoke? |
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Smoking reduces oxygen in the blood and makes clots more likely to form. It causes buildup of plaque in arteries and raises blood pressure.
Grand View offers smoking cessation support groups to help you quit. For more information, call the Grand View Information Line at 215-453-4300. |
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Alcohol:
Do you drink more than two drinks per day? |
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Alcohol abuse can cause many medical problems, including stroke. Men should limit their alcohol intake to two drinks per day. Women should limit their alcohol intake to one drink per day. |
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Drug Abuse:
Do you take drugs? |
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Drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines, have been associated with a greater risk for stroke. |
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Weight:
Are you overweight? |
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Excess weight puts a strain on the entire circulatory system. It makes people likely to have other stroke risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Remember to consult with your doctor before starting any weight reduction program. |
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Diet:
Do you eat a healthy diet? |
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Diets high in saturated fat, sodium, trans fats, and calories can lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity - all risk factors for stroke. |
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Exercise:
Do you include exercise in your daily activities? |
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Make time each day to take care for yourself by including exercise. A brisk walk for 30 minutes each day can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. Remember to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Grand View also offers Lifestyle Fitness, medically-supervised fitness program. For more information, call 215-453-3260 |
If you have any risk factors for stroke, see your doctor to discuss your risk factors and to develop a treatment plan.
If you experience any stroke symptoms or think you may be experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately. Stroke is a medical emergency.
Source: American Stroke Association
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a physican or health-care provider.