Stroke Risk Factors — what we do and don’t control

Risk Factors You Can’t Control

These are the factors you’re born with or that come with age, but knowing them can help you stay informed and take preventive action.

Age
The risk of stroke increases with age—especially after 65. But strokes can happen at any age, even to children and young adults.

Gender
Women are more likely than men to have a stroke and also more likely to die from one. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, birth control use, and menopause all play a role in stroke risk.

Race and Ethnicity
African American, Native American, and Hispanic communities are at higher risk for stroke. This is often due to a greater likelihood of underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease—conditions influenced by both genetics and healthcare access.

Family History and Prior Stroke
If stroke runs in your family, your risk may be higher. Genetics can influence things like blood pressure, cholesterol, and other conditions linked to stroke.
Also, if you've had a stroke or heart attack in the past, you're at a higher risk of having another one. In fact, 1 in 4 stroke survivors will have another stroke.

Risk Factors You Can Control

While we can’t change our age or family history, many of the biggest stroke risks are within our power to manage. Small changes can make a big difference.

Diet and Exercise
A balanced diet and regular physical activity are your best defense. Eating nutrient-rich foods and staying active helps lower your risk for high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes—all of which raise stroke risk.

Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking damages your blood vessels, raises your blood pressure, and lowers oxygen in your blood—making stroke more likely.
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the level of fats in your blood. Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco can significantly reduce your risk.‍

Sedentary Lifestyle
Sitting for long periods, especially without regular movement, increases stroke risk. Whether you have a desk job or are often resting due to fatigue, try to break up long periods of inactivity with short walks or stretches.

High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
These are two of the most common—and dangerous—stroke risk factors. You often won’t feel symptoms, so it’s important to check them regularly. If you have high numbers, your doctor can help you develop a plan to bring them down.‍

Heart Disease and Diabetes
Heart disease can cause blood clots or plaque buildup in arteries, restricting blood flow to the brain.
Diabetes affects how your body uses insulin and can damage blood vessels over time. If you live with either condition, managing them carefully with your healthcare team is essential for preventing stroke.

Talk to Your Doctor

Even if you feel fine, it's a good idea to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly, stay up to date on your diabetes or heart condition management, and ask your doctor how to reduce your risk. Stroke prevention starts with awareness and proactive choices.