Understanding Stroke Risk Factors

Anyone – males, females, people of all ages and races – can have a stroke; however, certain risk factors can increase your stroke risk. Knowing those risk factors and working with your primary health care team to lower your risk can reduce your chance of having a stroke.

StrokeScorecard 1

Remember: If your RED score is 3 or more, talk with your primary care doctor about how to manage your stroke risk.



Risk Factors Compared

Knowing the stroke risk factors can save your life. By living a healthier lifestyle and being pro-active, you can reduce your chance of having a stroke. Below you can view a side-by-side list of risk factors that CAN and CANNOT be controlled with medication and/or lifestyle changes.

Risk factors that can be controlled with medication or lifestyle changes.

  • Alcohol use
  • Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
  • Circulation problems
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Lack of exercise
  • Obesity
  • Smoking and tobacco use

Risk factors that can't be controlled with medication or lifestyle changes.

  • Age (people over age 55 are at a higher risk)
  • Family history
  • Fibromuscular dysplasia
  • Gender (females are at a higher risk)
  • Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO, or hole in the heart)
  • Previous stroke history
  • Race (African Americans, Asians / Pacific Islanders and Hispanics are at higher risk)

For more information about stroke care at Phoebe, call: 229-312-6038


Stroke Quiz

How much do you know about stroke? Take this multiple choice quiz to see how much you know about stroke.

Read the question, select your answer, click the submit button and see the correct answers.

>> TAKE QUIZ

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