Stroke risk factors and prevention A stroke is an interruption
of the blood supply to any part of the brain. A stroke is
sometimes called a "brain attack." A risk factor is something
about you that increases your chance of getting a disease or
having a certain health condition. Some risk factors for stroke
you cannot change, but some you can. Changing risk factors that
you do control will help you live a longer, healthier life.
Stroke prevention; Preventing strokes Risk Factors You Cannot
Change - Your age. Risk of stroke increases with age. - Your
gender. Men have a higher risk of getting heart disease than
women except in older adults. - Your genes or race. If your
parents had a stroke, you are at higher risk. African-Americans,
Mexican Americans, American Indians, Hawaiians, and some Asian
Americans also have a higher risk for heart problems. - Diseases
such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, and some types of
arthritis - Weak areas in an artery wall or abnormal arteries
and veins - Pregnancy-- both during