Reduce Your Risk

There are some things you can change, and some things you can’t. The important thing is to do what you can to live a strong, healthy life.

Risk factors that you cannot change include

Family History - You can’t change who your parents are, or your grandparents, or your siblings. If an immediate family member has suffered a stroke you are at greater risk. African Americans’ risk for stroke is up to four times higher than non–Hispanic whites. This is due in part to increased rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

Get to the root of your family’s health by creating your own family health history tree.

Age - Stroke can happen at any age, from children to the elderly. However, the older you are, the greater your risk for stroke.

Sex - More men than women have a stroke each year. But at all ages more women than men die of stroke. In 2002, more than 11,000 black females and 7,800 black males died of stroke.

Previous stroke or heart attack - If you’ve had a stroke, you’re at a much higher risk for having another one. If you’ve had a heart attack, this also raises your risk for having a stroke.

Risk factors you can control

Diet and exercise can change most of the risk factors and conditions listed below, while others may require taking medication. Your best defense is knowledge. Talk to your doctor to find out if you have any of these health risks. Then work together to develop a plan that’s right for you. You may want to use our Personal Risk Assessment Form as a starting point for talking with your doctor.

High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
Carotid or other artery disease
Atrial fibrillation
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or "mini strokes")
Certain blood disorders
High blood cholesterol
Physical inactivity and obesity
Excessive alcohol
Illegal drug use
Receiving Quality Care