Understanding Stroke Risk Factors: What You Need to Know
Stroke is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention, and understanding the factors that put you at risk can help you take preventive steps. Strokes occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, leading to potentially life-threatening damage. Here are some key stroke risk factors and how they can impact your health:
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the leading cause of stroke. Elevated pressure can damage the blood vessels, making them more prone to ruptures or blockages, both of which can cause a stroke.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are at higher risk of stroke because high blood sugar levels over time can damage blood vessels and increase the likelihood of clots forming.
Heart Disease
Certain heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure, increase your risk for stroke. Irregular heart rhythms can lead to blood clots forming in the heart, which may travel to the brain and block a blood vessel.
Smoking
Smoking damages the blood vessels and accelerates atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries narrow due to plaque buildup. This raises your risk of stroke as it becomes easier for blood clots to form and block critical blood flow to the brain.
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol contributes to plaque formation in the arteries, which can obstruct blood flow to the brain and trigger a stroke. Keeping cholesterol levels in check is an important way to manage stroke risk.
Obesity and Physical Inactivity
Being overweight or living a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of developing stroke-related conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Regular physical activity can help reduce many of these risks.
Family History
Genetics also play a role in your stroke risk. If you have a family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease, your likelihood of experiencing a stroke is higher, making early preventive care even more important.
Age and Gender
As you age, your risk of stroke increases. While strokes can occur at any age, people over 55 are more likely to experience one. Men generally have a higher risk of stroke at younger ages, but women tend to have more severe strokes later in life.
Be Prepared and Stay Proactive
Understanding these risk factors can help you make lifestyle changes to lower your risk, but it’s also important to stay in communication with your healthcare team. If you have concerns about your stroke risk, reach out to your primary care physician for personalized guidance.
Most importantly, if you or a loved one experience any signs of stroke—such as sudden weakness, slurred speech, facial drooping, or difficulty seeing—call 911 immediately. At our Level III Trauma Center in Gastonia, we are prepared to provide advanced care for critical emergencies, including stroke. Early intervention saves lives, so don’t hesitate to act. Learn more about emergency care at CaroMont Regional Medical Center here.