
A stroke, or brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is stopped or disrupted. Brain cells can die within minutes without blood or oxygen, and brain function is lost. While a stroke can happen to anyone at any age, certain factors can increase the risk of having one. These include age, race, gender, genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions. Older people, for instance, are more likely to have a stroke, with the chance of having one doubling every decade after the age of 55. Additionally, people of certain races, such as African Americans and non-white Hispanic Americans, have a higher risk of stroke. Furthermore, women tend to have strokes at an older age, making them less likely to recover and more likely to die as a result.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Age | Risk increases with age, especially after 55. |
Race | African Americans, Alaska Natives, American Indians, and Hispanic adults are at higher risk. |
Gender | Men are more likely to have a stroke, but women are more likely to die from it. |
Family History | Risk is higher if a family member has had a stroke, especially at a younger age. |
Lifestyle | An unhealthy lifestyle, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and illegal drug use, increases risk. |
Medical Conditions | High blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, sickle cell disease, and obesity are common conditions that increase risk. |
Medications | Birth control pills, blood thinners, and hormone therapy can increase risk. |
Pregnancy | Pregnant women with pre-eclampsia or those who have recently given birth are at higher risk. |
Temperature | Stroke deaths are more common during extreme temperatures. |
Socio-Economic Factors | Strokes are more prevalent among low-income individuals. |
Geography | Strokes are more common in the southeastern US and among people of Black or South Asian backgrounds. |
What You'll Learn
- Risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, birth control pills, and previous strokes
- Lifestyle choices: diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use
- Genetics and family history: heredity, age, sex, race, and ethnicity
- Common medical conditions: heart disease, cholesterol, obesity, and sickle cell disease
- Preventing a stroke: understanding risk, healthy behaviours, and medical treatment
Risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, birth control pills, and previous strokes
Anyone can have a stroke, but certain factors can increase your chances of having one. Some risk factors can be changed or managed, while others cannot.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes. It occurs when the pressure of the blood in your arteries is too high, damaging the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. There are often no symptoms of high blood pressure, so it is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. Lowering your blood pressure through lifestyle changes or medication can help reduce your risk of having a stroke.
Diabetes
Diabetes increases your risk of a stroke by causing sugars to build up in the blood, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain. People with diabetes often also have high blood pressure, which further increases their risk. Controlling diabetes through medication and lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of stroke.
Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor for strokes, almost doubling the likelihood of an ischemic stroke. It damages the heart and blood vessels and increases blood pressure. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of having a stroke.
Birth Control Pills
Some types of hormonal birth control, particularly those containing estrogen, can increase the risk of stroke. The risk is higher in people who have other risk factors, such as smoking or high blood pressure. Non-hormonal contraceptives and non-estrogen forms of birth control do not appear to increase the risk. It is important to discuss contraceptive options with a healthcare professional to assess your personal risk.
Previous Strokes
If you have already had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), your chances of having another one are higher. The risk of another stroke decreases over time, and there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk.
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Lifestyle choices: diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use
While you can't control your age or family history, you can take steps to lower your chances of having a stroke by making healthier lifestyle choices.
Diet
A diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol has been linked to stroke and related conditions, such as heart disease. Getting too much salt (sodium) in your diet can also raise blood pressure levels, which is a leading cause of strokes. A healthy diet should include:
- Fruits and vegetables: Eat 4 to 5 cups every day.
- Fish: Eat fish two to three times a week.
- Whole grains and low-fat dairy: Consume several servings daily.
- Cholesterol: Avoid high-cholesterol foods such as burgers, cheese, and ice cream.
Exercise
Not getting enough physical activity can lead to other health conditions that can raise the risk of stroke, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Regular physical activity can lower your chances of having a stroke. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, five days a week.
Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure levels and increase the risk of stroke. It also increases the levels of triglycerides, a form of fat in the blood that can harden the arteries. To lower the risk of stroke, it is recommended that women have no more than one drink per day, and men have no more than two drinks per day.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use increases the risk of stroke. Cigarette smoking can damage the heart and blood vessels, and nicotine raises blood pressure. Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke reduces the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry. Quitting smoking is one of the most powerful lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce your risk of stroke.
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Genetics and family history: heredity, age, sex, race, and ethnicity
Genetics and family history
Having a family history of stroke may increase your risk of having a stroke. Research suggests that between 15% and 52% of people who have a stroke have a family member who has also had a stroke. If you have a parent or sibling who has had a stroke, your risk of stroke may be 36% to 44% higher.
Heredity
Genes inherited from family members can increase your chances of having a stroke. You may inherit a disorder that increases your risk of stroke, such as sickle cell disease. Genetic factors likely play a role in high blood pressure, stroke, and other related conditions.
Age
The older you are, the more likely you are to have a stroke. The chance of having a stroke doubles every 10 years after age 55. However, stroke can occur at any age.
Sex
Stroke is more common in women than in men, and women of all ages are more likely than men to die from stroke. Pregnancy and the use of birth control pills pose special stroke risks for women.
Race and ethnicity
People who are non-Hispanic Black or Pacific Islander may be more likely to die from a stroke than people who are non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native, or Asian. The risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice as high for Black people as for White people.
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Common medical conditions: heart disease, cholesterol, obesity, and sickle cell disease
Anyone can have a stroke at any age, but certain factors can increase your chances of having one. While you may not be able to control your age or family history, you can take steps to lower your chances of experiencing a stroke.
Common Medical Conditions
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It can happen at any age, but the risk goes up as you get older. It is caused by a variety of factors, including high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, obesity, and diabetes.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver and found in certain foods. While your liver makes enough cholesterol for your body's needs, we often consume more cholesterol than our bodies can use through our diet. This extra cholesterol can build up in the walls of arteries, including those in the heart and brain, leading to their narrowing and potentially causing a stroke.
Obesity
Obesity is linked to higher levels of "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as lower levels of "good" cholesterol. It can also lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Obesity is a significant risk factor for various health conditions, including an increased risk of stroke.
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells, causing them to become misshapen and crescent- or sickle-shaped. This abnormal shape makes it difficult for the red blood cells to move through blood vessels, and they can get stuck and block blood flow, leading to pain and organ damage. Sickle cell disease is linked to an increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly in Black children.
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Preventing a stroke: understanding risk, healthy behaviours, and medical treatment
While anyone can have a stroke at any age, there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of having one. Understanding these risk factors and making healthy lifestyle changes can help prevent a stroke. Here are some essential considerations for preventing a stroke:
Understanding Risk Factors
The first step in preventing a stroke is understanding the risk factors. Some of these risk factors are unchangeable, such as age, family history, and genetics. As people age, their risk of stroke increases, with the chances of having a stroke doubling every decade after the age of 55. Additionally, individuals with a family history of stroke or certain genetic predispositions may have a higher risk.
However, many other risk factors can be managed or changed. These include:
- High blood pressure: This is a leading cause of stroke and often has no noticeable symptoms. It is crucial to get your blood pressure checked regularly and take steps to lower it if it is high.
- High cholesterol: High cholesterol levels can contribute to the thickening or hardening of arteries, increasing the risk of stroke. A blood test can determine your cholesterol levels.
- Heart disease: Heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat, and heart valve defects, can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can cause a build-up of sugars in the blood, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain. It is also associated with high blood pressure, another risk factor for stroke.
- Obesity: Excess body fat can lead to higher "bad" cholesterol and lower "good" cholesterol levels. Obesity is also linked to high blood pressure and diabetes, both risk factors for stroke.
- Sickle cell disease: This blood disorder, predominantly affecting Black children, can cause a stroke if sickle cells block blood flow to the brain.
Adopting Healthy Behaviours
Making healthy lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of stroke. Here are some behaviours to focus on:
- Diet: Consume a healthy, balanced diet that is low in saturated fats, trans fat, cholesterol, and salt (sodium). Aim for at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, and include whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help lower your risk of stroke by reducing the chances of obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or walking, every week.
- Smoking cessation: Smoking damages the heart and blood vessels and increases blood pressure, all of which elevate the risk of stroke. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce this risk.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure and trigger irregular heartbeats, increasing the risk of stroke. Moderate your alcohol consumption, and do not exceed the recommended limits: no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Medical Treatment
In addition to lifestyle changes, certain medical treatments can help prevent a stroke, especially if you have existing conditions that increase your risk:
- Blood pressure medication: If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to find the right medication to lower it.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs: These medications can reduce the risk of plaque build-up in your artery walls, decreasing the chances of stroke.
- Heart medicines: Treating underlying heart problems, such as atrial fibrillation, can lower your risk of stroke.
- Diabetes medicines: Keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range can help prevent the complications that lead to stroke.
- Blood-thinning medicines: These medications, such as antiplatelets or anticoagulants, can prevent blood clots from forming and reduce the risk of stroke.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat or prevent a stroke. For example, carotid endarterectomy involves removing plaque and clots from the carotid arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a stroke can happen to anyone at any age or sex. However, certain factors can increase your chances of having a stroke.
There are several factors that can increase your chances of having a stroke, including age, race, family history, and lifestyle choices. For example, people over 55 years old, those with a family history of stroke, and individuals with unhealthy lifestyles are at a higher risk. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and sickle cell disease, can also increase the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and illegal drug use. Managing underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, through proper medication and treatment is also crucial. Staying aware of your risk factors and working with your healthcare team to control them is the best way to protect yourself from a stroke.
Stroke symptoms can include weakness or numbness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking or understanding, vision problems, dizziness, and severe headaches. It is important to recognize these signs and call for emergency medical help immediately if you or someone around you is experiencing them.