-
A stroke, sometimes known as a brain attack for its similarities with heart attacks, occurs when part of the brain does not get enough blood flow. Several groups of people are at an increased risk for suffering a stroke.
Main Factor
The number-one risk factor involved in stroke is having high blood pressure, according to Medline Plus. This and other risks, such as high cholesterol and heart disease, also put people at risk of a heart attack, according to the Mayo Clinic.
History
A person who has a family or personal history of previous stroke, heart attack or transient ischemic attack (TIA, a type of smaller stroke) is at an increased risk for stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Lifestyle
People who drink, smoke, use illicit drugs like cocaine and are seriously overweight (obese) are more likely, according to the Mayo Clinic, to have a stroke than others.
Age, Sex and Race
People who are over the age of 55 and black people are more likely to have a stroke than others; the Mayo Clinic further reports that women are more likely than men to die because of a stroke.
Other Factors
High levels of the amino acid homocysteine, hormone therapy including birth control, diseases related to bleeding and head trauma also increase the risk of stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Source:
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC