Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Strokes can occur at any age and nearly a quarter of stroke patients are under age 65.
Understanding your risk factors and treatment options can give you a better chance of surviving a stroke and may help you prevent one.
Age, gender, and genetic factors play a role in stroke risk, but most risk factors involve things that you can your doctor can monitor and control, such as:
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar or diabetes
- Heart disease, heart beat irregularities or history of heart attack
- Elevated cholesterol and lipids
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Illegal drug use
High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke.