Medical Conditions That Increase Stroke Risk

• Previous stroke or “mini-stroke” (transient ischemic attack, TIA).
• Hypertension, leading risks for heart disease and stroke.
• Diabetes. High blood sugar can increase risk.
• Heart disease.

Did You Know  

• Smoking.
• Tobacco use is a major preventable risk factor for stroke and heart disease.
• Obesity, elevated cholesterol, elevated lipids.
• Physical inactivity.
• Excessive alcohol intake.
• Illegal drug use.

Did You Know 

• Increasing age. Stroke is more common in people over 60.
• Male sex.
• Men and women both have strokes – stroke is more common at younger ages in men.
• Heredity and ethnicity. Stroke is more common in people whose close relatives have had stroke at an early age.
• African-Americans and Hispanic Americans are at higher risk than white Americans.
• This may be due in part to high blood pressure and dietary differences.