Common Risk Factors for Stroke
Key Takeaways:
Stroke risk is driven by a combination of underlying medical conditions, lifestyle behaviors and non-modifiable factors, making prevention a matter of both clinical management and daily decision-making. The most significant risks include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and conditions like atrial fibrillation or prior transient ischemic attacks, all of which directly impact blood flow to the brain. Lifestyle choices such as poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol use further elevate risk, while age, genetics, gender and ethnicity remain uncontrollable contributors. The most effective prevention strategy is a proactive, integrated approach: managing chronic conditions, maintaining a healthy weight, following a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly and avoiding harmful substances. Early detection and ongoing cardiovascular care play a critical role in reducing stroke likelihood and long-term complications.
Stroke is the fifth most common cause of death in the United States. It occurs when the blood supply to the brain becomes blocked, preventing brain tissue from receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly. When blood supply to the brain is stopped for even a few minutes, brain cells can begin to die, making stroke a medical emergency. Prompt treatment is critical to reduce brain damage and other complications.
Anyone can have a stroke, and the condition can occur at any age. However, there are certain factors that will increase your risk. Some of these can be treated or managed, while others cannot. Understanding the various risk factors for stroke can help you make informed health and lifestyle decisions to reduce your chances of developing this serious condition.
Health Conditions That Can Increase Your Risk of Stroke
The following common medical conditions can increase your likelihood of a stroke:
- High Blood Pressure – High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke. A blood pressure of 140/90 or higher can damage the arteries supplying blood to your brain.
- Coronary Artery Disease – Coronary artery disease causes an accumulation of plaque in the arteries that can reduce or block the flow of blood to the brain.
- Diabetes – Diabetes doubles your risk of a stroke. The buildup of sugar in your blood that occurs from diabetes can prevent oxygen and nutrients from reaching your brain. Many diabetics also have other conditions that increase their risk of stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
- High Cholesterol – High cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in your arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain.
- Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) – TIAs are often referred to as a mini-stroke. They have many of the same symptoms as a stroke, but without the lasting effects. Individuals who have had one or more TIAs have a 10 times increased risk of a stroke than someone the same age and gender who hasn’t had this condition.
- High Red Blood Cell Count – An elevated level of red blood cells causes your blood to become thicker, increasing the likelihood of a clot.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – AFib is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. It causes blood to pool and clot, increasing your risk of stroke by five times.
- Heart Disease – Some other types of heart disease which increase your risk of stroke include heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, heart failure, carotid artery disease and dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart chambers).
- Sickle Cell Anemia – This condition results in abnormally shaped blood cells which carry less oxygen to your body’s organs. These cells can also stick to the walls of blood vessels, blocking the arteries supplying blood to the brain.
- Sleep Apnea – Sleep apnea can reduce oxygen levels during sleep and increase your blood pressure, both of which are risk factors of stroke.
Lifestyle Risk Factors of Stroke
Certain lifestyle choices can also increase your risk of stroke. These include:
- Obesity
- Eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fat and cholesterol
- Lack of physical activity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Illegal drug use, especially cocaine, amphetamines or IV drugs
Stroke Risk Factors That Are Out of Your Control
Unfortunately, not all risk factors of stroke can be managed by medical treatments or lifestyle changes. The following stroke risk factors are out of your control:
- Age – Your risk of stroke doubles for each decade you live over the age of 55.
- Gender – Women are at higher risk of stroke than men, and women are more likely to die from a stroke.
- Family History – Your risk of stroke is higher if you have a parent, grandparent or sibling who has had a stroke.
- Ethnicity – African Americans and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk of a stroke.
- Prior History of Stroke – Once you’ve had a stroke, you’re at increased risk of having another one.
Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Stroke
Knowing your specific risk factors for stroke can help you take proactive steps to reduce your risk. Many stroke prevention strategies include the same actions taken to prevent heart disease, and working with your cardiologist to catch and manage any warning signs in their earliest stages will help you develop the proper plan to lower your risk.
In general, the best way to lower your chances of getting a stroke is to live a healthy lifestyle and manage any health conditions which increase your risk. Depending on your specific risk factors, this may include:
- Managing High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol or Diabetes – Keeping these health conditions under control is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of a stroke.
- Treat Heart Disease – If you have any heart conditions that increase your risk of stroke, treating these conditions is an important step to preventing a stroke.
- Eating a Healthy Diet – Your diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as foods high in fiber. Avoid ultra-processed foods, as well as foods that are high in saturated fats, trans fats, sodium and sugar. The Mediterranean diet is considered to be heart healthy and will provide you with a good roadmap to follow if you’re trying to lower your stroke risk.
- Exercise Regularly – Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure, manage diabetes, increase levels of good cholesterol and improve heart health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight – Obesity contributes to other conditions that increase your risk of stroke, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
- Quit Smoking – This is an important step to reduce your risk of stroke and many other serious health conditions.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption – Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to high blood pressure. Men should have no more than two drinks per day, and women should limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day.
- Refrain from Illegal Drugs – Avoid using cocaine, methamphetamine, IV drugs and other illegal substances which increase your risk of stroke.
- Treat Sleep Apnea – There are a variety of treatments to help manage this condition, including CPAP and oral appliance therapy.
South Denver Cardiology Can Help
At South Denver Cardiology, we offer a wide range of services to help you live a heart healthy life and manage a variety of conditions which increase your risk of stroke. These include:
- Diagnostic testing to identify any heart conditions in their earliest stages before they become serious
- Preventive cardiology services to reduce your risk of developing a heart condition that can contribute to a stroke
- Clinical cardiology services to manage a wide range of heart conditions that increase your risk of stroke
- Medical fitness gym to help you establish a heart healthy exercise regimen that is safe for your specific cardiovascular condition
- Medical weight loss clinic to help you achieve and maintain a heart healthy weight
- Nutritional counseling to help you eat a heart healthy diet that reduces your risk of stroke
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. South Denver Cardiology serves patients in Denver, Littleton and the surrounding areas.
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