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Reduce Stroke Risk Factors

Some Medical Conditions Increase the Risk of Stroke

Anyone can have a stroke, although certain stroke risk factors increase the chance.

  • High blood pressure (greater than 140/90 for people without diabetes or greater than 130/80 for people with diabetes)

  • Cigarette smoking

  • Diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugar

  • Heart disease and/or irregular heartbeat

  • Sickle cell disease

  • High cholesterol

  • Obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity

Some stroke risk factors cannot be changed.

  • Age – stroke risk doubles for every decade after age 55

  • Family history of stroke in a parent, grandparent, sister or brother

  • Previous stroke or TIA

  • Sex – men have a higher risk at younger ages, while women have a higher risk over age 85

  • Race/ethnicity – African-Americans have a higher risk of stroke than other races

Know Your Risk of Stroke

To understand your personal risk for a stroke, visit the National Stroke Association’s Stroke Risk Scorecard. Any elevated risks for stroke should be discussed with your doctor.

Stroke Prevention: Reduce Stroke Risk

According to the National Stroke Association, up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. To prevent stroke, start by getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. Additionally, it is important to stay on top of your stroke risk factors and manage them with your physician.

  • Have your blood pressure checked regularly

  • Report any episodes of missed or irregular heartbeats

  • Find out if you have high cholesterol

  • Treat circulation problems such as blocked arteries, sickle cell disease and severe anemia

If you suspect stroke, call 9-1-1 to activate rapid response services and transport to a Stroke Network hospital.

To find out more about the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Stroke Center, call 855.925.0631.

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