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nyone of any age, including children, can have a stroke. However nine out of 10 of people affected are over 55. Certain risk factors increase the chances of someone having a stroke.Top
Stroke and lifestyle factors
Some risk factors are within your control. These are lifestyle factors such as:
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Stroke and medical factors
Some illnesses and medical conditions increase the risk of stroke. They include:
Most of these can be treated.
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Other factors
Some risk factors are beyond your control and can't be medically treated. They include:
Stroke and lifestyle factors
Some risk factors are within your control. These are lifestyle factors such as:
- Smoking - smokers are at twice the risk of stroke
- Inactivity - people who are physically inactive are at twice the risk of stroke as those who are moderately active
- Alcohol - binge drinking and regular heavy alcohol intake increase the risk of stroke
- Diet - a diet high in salt and fatty foods is linked to high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, which increase the risk of stroke
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Stroke and medical factors
Some illnesses and medical conditions increase the risk of stroke. They include:
- High blood pressure - persistent, untreated hypertension is the major risk factor for stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- Cardiovascular problems - existing blood vessel disease, angina, heart attack or a previous TIA and atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heart beat) increase the risk of stroke
- Diabetes - diabetes doubles the risk of a stroke
Most of these can be treated.
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Other factors
Some risk factors are beyond your control and can't be medically treated. They include:
- Age - stroke is more common in people over the age of 55
- Gender - in the under-75s, men are more likely than women to have a stroke
- Ethnic background - south Asians, Africans and African-Caribbeans are at a higher risk of stroke
- Genetic inheritance - if you have a first-degree relative who had a stroke at an early age (under 50) you're at higher risk