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What Happens During a Stroke?
Stroke Prevention: Uncontrollable Risk Factors
Stroke Prevention: Uncontrollable Risk Factors
Stroke prevention starts with understanding your risk. There are several factors that put you at a higher risk for a stroke that you cannot control. These include:
- Your age. Your risk of stroke doubles each decade after age 55.
- Your gender. Men are at higher risk that women for stroke; however, women are more likely to die from a stroke than men.
- Your race. African Americans have a higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes than other races, putting them at an increased risk of stroke.
- Your family history. If someone in your immediate family has suffered a stroke, your risk increases.
- Prior strokes. More than 25 percent of people who have a stroke will go on to have another.
Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors, and what you can do to prevent a stroke.
By Jenilee Matz, MPH. Published December 7, 2012. Jenilee Matz, MPH is a medical writer, health educator, and triathlete based in Charlotte, NC.
