Knowing the risk factors is the key to stroke prevention. Patients can learn about their risk factors by having regular medical checkups. Through this process, patients will be educated about some risk factors that can be changed or treated by medication or lifestyle changes. It is critical for those who have experienced a stroke or TIA to manage their risk factors and be compliant with prescribed medications. The risk of another stroke is 10 times greater in patients who have already had a stroke than in those who have never experienced one.
WHAT RISK FACTORS CAN I POTENTIALLY CHANGE OR TREAT
- High Blood Pressure
- Tobacco Use
- Diabetes
- Carotid or Other Artery Diseases
- TIA (Mini-Stroke)
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) or Other Heart Disease
- Certain Blood Disorders
- High Blood Cholesterol
- Physical Inactivity & Obesity
- Excessive Alcohol Intake
- Illegal Drug Use
WHAT RISK FACTORS I CANNOT CONTROL
- Increasing Age
- Gender
- Heredity
- Race
- Prior stroke
