Stroke Risk Factors
Stroke is dangerous and deadly — the No. 5 killer and a leading cause of adult disability in America. But you can control and treat several risk factors for stroke.
Risk Factors
Stroke Risk Factors You Can Control, Treat and Improve
Keep your risk of stroke low with regular checkups and treatment for these conditions if you have them.
Stroke Risk Factors That Are Not Within Your Control
Understand the risk factors you can’t control and get motivated to work on those you can improve.
Additional Factors That May Be Linked to Higher Stroke Risk
Whether your risk of stroke is related to changeable factors or is primarily outside of your control, your heart and brain benefit from healthy lifestyle choices.
Managing Risky Conditions
Atherosclerosis
Atrial Fibrillation
High Blood Pressure
Social Determinants of Health and Risk Factors
The Urgent Need for Health Equity
Everyone should have an optimal, just opportunity to be healthy. But this is not the reality for many people of color and others whose health suffers because of social factors beyond their control. People suffer when they lack access to quality care, nutritious food and other basic health needs.
Mounting Social Determinants Could Magnify Stroke Risk
The cumulative effect of several social factors can more than double the risk of stroke in people under 75. The research examined the impact of living in a poor or rural area, having low education or income level, being Black or lacking health insurance.
Environment, Culture, and Other Social Determinants Play a Big Role in Heart Health
Social determinants of health influence where and how people live, learn, work and play. They provide context to a person’s life. They can play just as big a role in affecting health as medications and physical lifestyle changes.
Stroke Patients More Likely to Die in Rural Hospitals Than in Urban Ones
Researchers found that stroke patients treated at rural hospitals were about half as likely to receive clot-busting medication than those treated in cities. They were roughly one-third less likely to undergo a clot-removing procedure (thrombectomy) and more likely to die of any type of stroke before leaving the hospital (6.9% versus 5.8%).Women Face a Higher Risk of Stroke
Stroke in U.S. Women by the Numbers
- One in 5 women will have a stroke.
- About 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year.
- Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in women.
- Stroke kills over 90,000 women a year.
Diabetes and Stroke
Understanding the connection between diabetes and stroke is essential. Recognize the risk factors and take steps to stay healthy.
Uncommon Causes of Stroke
Atrial fibrillation, hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure cause most strokes. But there are other less common causes.
Live Great – Ideas to help kids stay heart and brain healthy
The American Stroke Association and rapper, Dee-1, want kids (and grownups) everywhere to focus on ways to be active and live longer, healthier lives.