Which are the major risk factors for a stroke?

A stroke is a disease which is closely linked to lifestyles and cardiovascular disease. Risk factors worth mentioning include: Atherosclerosis (Depositing of lipids in the lumen of blood vessels in the form of plaques) High blood pressure Lack of physical activity Obesity Continuous consumption of alcohol Smoking Dyslipidemia (fat disorders in the blood) Diabetes Type I and II TIA (transitory ischemia) Age (the older, the more the blood vessels constrict) Family history (if close relatives have ever had a stroke, the risk increases) Heart disease (mitral stenosis, disorders of the heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation Long bone fractures Organic diseases (tumors, meningitis, etc) Undergoing a heart infarction Aneurisms or congenital malformations of the blood vessels of the brain According to research, 80% of cases of strokes stem from high risk factors which include Arterial hypertension Regular smoking A diet heavy in proteins (red meats, eggs, fried food, a diet in general rich in fats) Lack of physical activity

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on
Medical Author: Dr. med. Diana Hysi