You have more control over your risk of stroke than you might think.
Each year, about 15 million people worldwide will have a stroke, according to the World Heart Federation. Six million will die, while another 5 million will sustain a permanent disability from the event. After dementia, stroke is the second-highest cause of disability.
But the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says that about 80 percent of all strokes can be prevented if you know your risk factors and make certain changes to your lifestyle.
The Stroke Risk Factors You Can’t Control
Being aware of the following stroke risk factors empowers you to put stroke prevention high on your health to-do list.
- You’re 55 or older. And, as you age, the risk rises. For each decade after your 55th birthday, your stroke risk doubles, according to the American Stroke Association (ASA).
- You’re a woman. Each year, about 55,000 more women will have a stroke than men, the National Stroke Association says. What’s more, women are also more likely to die from a stroke than men. (It’s the third leading cause of death in women; it ranks fifth for men.)
- You’re black or Hispanic. Blacks have double the risk of first-time stroke compared to whites; they’re also more likely to die from one, according to the ASA. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also note that Hispanics are more likely to have a stroke than whites; plus, they also have them at a younger age: at 67, compared to 80, for non-whites.
- Strokes run in your family. If you have a close relative — say, a parent, grandparent, or sibling — who’s had a stroke before, you may also be more likely to have one, too.
- You’ve had heart trouble in the past. If you’ve already had a heart attack, a stroke, or a transient ischemic attack, (also known as a “warning stroke”), your risk for stroke may increase. Other health problems that increase your odds include atrial fibrillation (a disease in which the heart beats abnormally), sickle cell anemia (a disease in which the red blood cells can’t carry as much oxygen to other organs and tissues throughout the body) or sleep apnea (a condition that causes temporary pauses in breathing during sleep).
Related: Heart Attack Risk In Your Genes?
If you have any of the above stroke risk factors, you should be especially careful to alter the ones below.
The Stroke Risk Factors You Can Control
Your risk of a stroke can also increase if:
- You have other health conditions. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and other health conditions can increase your risk of stroke. But taking medication, adjusting your diet, and exercising regularly can help decrease your risk of them.
- You don't eat a healthy diet. Foods that are high in fat, calories, and sodium can contribute to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which in turn increases your risk of stroke.
- You’re sedentary. If you’re not getting regular exercise and you sit around too much, you’re putting yourself at a greater risk for stroke, as well as for a whole host of other health conditions. Time to get moving!
- You’re obese. And if you’re a woman who is past menopause, keep an eye on your waistline — a measurement over 35 inches boosts your odds for stroke.
- You smoke. Cigarettes cause damage to your cardiovascular system that can increase your stroke risk. Take steps to quit smoking now.
- You’re taking hormones. Things like hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills can up your stroke risk by increasing your chances of developing a blood clot.
By focusing on what you can control (and paying attention to the things you can’t), you’ll ensure you do everything you can to lower your risk of stroke.