Risk Factors for Stroke Risk of stroke varies among individuals.
Your heredity and other factors beyond your control may put you
at increased risk. These risks include: - Age – while you can
have a stroke at any age, your risk doubles each decade after
age 55. - Gender – while men and women both have strokes, men
are 19 percent more likely to suffer a stroke. - Race – while
people of all races have strokes, African Americans have a
higher risk, especially with associate high blood pressure. -
Prior stroke – once you have had a stroke, your future risk is
increased. - Heredity – if family members have had a stroke,
your risk is higher. Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce Risks You can,
however, make positive changes in your lifestyle that will
significantly reduce your personal risk. The following is a list
of factors that you, with your physician’s help, may be able to
minimize. - Control your blood pressure Have your blood pressure
checked often, and if it is elevated, follow your doctor’s
advice on how to lower it