Which are the major risk factors for a stroke?

CVA - Cerebrovascular accident, Cerebrovascular accident (disorder), Stroke,cerebrovascular disorder, stroke, CVA (cerebral vascular accident), cerebrovascular accident,

A stroke is a disease which is closely linked to lifestyles and cardiovascular disease.

Risk factors worth mentioning include:

  1. Atherosclerosis (Depositing of lipids in the lumen of blood vessels in the form of plaques)
  2. High blood pressure
  3. Lack of physical activity
  4. Obesity
  5. Continuous consumption of alcohol
  6. Smoking
  7. Dyslipidemia (fat disorders in the blood)
  8. Diabetes Type I and II
  9. TIA (transitory ischemia)
  10. Age (the older, the more the blood vessels constrict)
  11. Family history (if close relatives have ever had a stroke, the risk increases)
  12. Heart disease (mitral stenosis, disorders of the heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation
  13. Long bone fractures
  14. Organic diseases (tumors, meningitis, etc)
  15. Undergoing a heart infarction
  16. Aneurisms or congenital malformations of the blood vessels of the brain

According to research, 80% of cases of strokes stem from high risk factors which include

  1. Arterial hypertension
  2. Regular smoking
  3. A diet heavy in proteins (red meats, eggs, fried food, a diet in general rich in fats)
  4. Lack of physical activity

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 12 Jan 2018
Medical Author: Dr. med. Diana Hysi