Reduce Your Risk: Factors for Stroke

There are several factors that increase your risk of stroke. The more risk factors you have, the greater chance of having a stroke. Although risk factors like your age, family health history and gender can't be controlled, others, such as your amount of physical activity or decision to smoke, can be modified.

You are at a greater risk of having a stroke if you:

• Are 55 or older
• Have a family history of stroke
• Have high blood pressure
• Smoke
• Have diabetes
• Have heart or valvular disease
• Have an increase in your red blood cell count
• Are overweight
• Are not physically active

There are simple ways to reduce your risk of suffering a stroke.

• Don't smoke
• Don't abuse alcohol or drugs
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Pay attention to the warning signs

For more information about the Stroke Center at The Miriam Hospital, please call 401-793-5533.