Uncontrollable risk factors of Stroke:
Age: A stroke can happen at any age, even in children, but it becomes more common as people get older. For each decade after age 55, the chance of stroke roughly doubles.
Gender: Strokes are more common in men, but women make up more than half of all stroke deaths.
Race:African-Americans are much more likely to die from strokes than whites, partly because African-Americans have a higher risk of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
Family history: Stroke risk rises if a person’s parent, grandparent, or sibling has had a stroke or if a family member had a heart attack at an early age.
Previous stroke or heart attack: The risk of a second stroke is much higher if a person has already had a past stroke or heart attack.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA): TIA, which is sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” may be a precursor to an ischemic stroke. TIA stems from a temporary blockage of the brain’s blood supply. Symptoms are similar to those of an actual stroke, but usually last only a few minutes or hours, with no lasting effects. But it’s a serious warning sign. Up to 33% of people with “mini-strokes” will go on to have a more severe stroke, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Artery abnormalities: The chance of a hemorrhagic stroke goes up if a person has an aneurysm (a bulge in a weakened area of an artery’s walls) within the skull. Arteriovenous malformation (an abnormal connection between arteries and veins) is another risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke.
Fibromuscular dysplasia:With this medical disorder, some arteries develop improperly. Fibrous tissue grows in artery walls, making them narrower. As a result, blood flow through the arteries is reduced, which can lead to stroke.
Patent foramen ovale (hole in the heart): Typically, this condition has no symptoms, and impacts about 15% to 20% of all people. But a person with a hole, or flap-like opening between the two upper chambers of the heart, faces increased risk of stroke or TIA. A blood clot can pass through this opening, travel to the brain, and cause a stroke. Those with patent foramen ovale might have a stroke without any obvious risk factors.
If you suspect you're at risk for stroke, or if you have a family history of stroke, talk to your doctor about your medical history and specific concerns. Your doctor can help you manage your risk factors and develop a treatment plan if necessary.
