What are the risk factors for a stroke?
The risk factors for stroke are very similar to the risk factors for coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis, because atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries is the basis both for heart disease, coronary disease, and of the great majority of strokes, what we call ischemic strokes caused by clots to the brain. Smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, being over weight, being physically inactive, and having diabetes are all risk factors for stroke. High blood pressure has a particular effect for stroke because it increases the risk, not only of atherosclerosis, but also of hemorrhagic stroke, the strokes that are caused by bleeding into the brain by having a small leak in the blood vessel in the brain. In addition, you can have a stroke for several other reasons. People who have sickle cell disease are prone to having strokes and there is a kind of heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation - really quite a common rhythm problem - that also makes people more likely to have strokes. If you have heart valve disease or have had a large heart attack, you also have the propensity to have a clot form that can be sent to the brain and cause a stroke. There are more causes for strokes than for heart disease but many of them are similar, so many strokes can be prevented.
