Every minute is critical in minimizing the damage caused by a stroke. Understand that treating you quickly and according to the best stroke practices will preserve more brain function and a better quality of life for you after a stroke.
Are you at risk?
It’s possible to have a stroke without the risk factors listed below. But the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of having a stroke. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
Risk factors for stroke include:
- Smoking
- A diet high in trans-fat, saturated fat, and low in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber
- Lack of physical activity
- Use of drugs, particularly cocaine and amphetamines
- Certain medical conditions, including atrial fibrillation, previous stroke, abnormalities of the blood clotting system, inflammation of the blood vessels, recent heart attack, heart valve disease, vascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity
- Being over age 75
- Genetic factors
- Being of African descent
