Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and the third leading cause of disability. Knowing the signs and your risk factor can be crucial for your future health. Most people know someone who has had a stroke, and they have witnessed firsthand how life devastating this ailment can be. Many don’t realize just how much you can do to reduce your risk.

Stroke facts

Although a stroke can occur at any age and in any race or gender, it is important to understand the various factors that can increase your risk. Having a well-defined understanding of these can help you avoid experiencing a stroke.

A stroke can occur at any age, but they are more likely to occur in those over the age of 65. After reaching the age of 55, your risk of suffering a stroke actually doubles.

Men are more prone to suffering a stroke than women. However, women are more likely to die from one.

Family history can increase your risk of having a stroke. It can also lend itself to the likelihood of a repeat stroke. Having a personal history of stroke can also increase your risk of having a stroke.

Most commonly, strokes occur in people of African Americans, Alaskan Natives, and American Indian descent. Strokes are less common in Hispanics, Asians, and whites.

One of the most common complications of smoking is the damage to the walls and veins of the vessels. This is because cigarettes increase the blood’s volume and narrow the vessels, which then weakens them over time.

Women who are taking birth control are also more prone to experiencing strokes than men. This is because the hormones in birth control can cause blood clots to form. These clots can then travel to the brain, heart, or lungs.

High blood pressure and diabetes can also increase a person’s risk of having a stroke. In fact, having high blood pressure can raise a person’s likelihood of experiencing a stroke by up to four times.

High blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels are also known to increase the risk of having a stroke. Having a poor diet can additionally lead to obesity, which is another risk factor for stroke.

Being overweight can also lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can cause blood clots to form. As your body’s weight increases, this problem can also increase your risk of suffering a stroke.

Studies also suggest that a consistent lack of exercise is just as harmful to a person’s health as smoking cigarettes. Being active can help lower the risk of suffering a stroke.

Even if these risk factors are not directly responsible for your stroke, they can still affect you at any age and race. It’s important to remember that lifestyle changes can help lower your chances of suffering a stroke.

How to know if you or someone you know is having a stroke 

Getting proper medical attention as fast as possible is key to limiting damage and surviving a stroke so know the signs before it happens.

Our advice is to quit smoking and maintain a healthy diet to help lower your chances of suffering a stroke.

If you are in the Tampa area and would like to speak with a doctor about your potential risk for stroke and ways to reduce it, contact the physicians at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates by calling (813) 975-2800 today. www.tampacardio.com.