Some Controllable Risk Factors for Stroke

• High Blood Pressure
  This is the most important controllable risk factor for stroke. Have your blood pressure checked often, and, if it is high, follow your doctor’s advice on how to lower it. Treating blood pressure reduces the risk for both stroke and heart disease.
• Heart Disease
  The vessels from the heart lead directly to the brain. Heart disease, such as arrythmias and valvular disease are common sources of clots, which can break off and block blood flow to vital parts of the brain.
• Cigarette Smoking
  Cigarette smoking is linked to increased risk for stroke. Research shows that the risk of stroke for people who have quit smoking for two to five years is lower than people who still smoke.
• High Red Blood Cell Count and Clotting Disorders
  A moderate increase in the number of red blood cells thickens the blood and makes clots (and therefore strokes) more likely. If you have had increased clotting, contact your physician.
• High Blood Cholesterol and Lipids
  Diet: Choose, prepare and eat foods low in fats, saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Have your cholesterol checked.
• Physical inactivity and Obesity
  Physical activities like walking, cycling, swimming, and yard work lower the risk of both stroke and heart disease. Any exercise reduces the risk for stroke.
• Excessive Alcohol Use
  More than two drinks per day raises blood pressure. Binge drinking can lead to stroke.
• Drug Abuse
  Drug abuse, especially intravenous drug use and cocaine use, have been closely related to strokes. Some of them, even among first-time cocaine users, have been fatal.
• Diabetes
  If untreated, diabetes can damage the blood vessels throughout the body.
• Sleep Apnea
  Sleep Apnea is associated with increased risk for stroke. If suspected, a sleep study should be conducted.

Stroke: Some Statistics

• Stroke is the nation’s third largest cause of death.
• Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States.
• Data from various studies show up to 750,000 people suffer new or recurrent stroke ech year.
• Stroke is more common in men than in women. In most age groups, more men than women will have a stroke in a given year.
• More than half of total stroke deaths occur in women. In a year 2000 survey, females accounted for 61.4 percent of stroke deaths.
• The 2000 death rates (per 100,000 population) for stroke were 58.6 for white males, 87.1 for black males, 57.8 for white females and 78.1 for black females.
• Compared with whites, young African Americans have a two-to threefold greater risk of ischemic stroke, and African American men and women are more likely to die of stroke.
• 28 percent of people who suffer a stroke in a given year are under age 65.

Clinical Research

The U of L Health Care neurology team is currently participating in clinical trials.

For more information, contact Neurology at 502-589-6990.