Fairfax Hospital Neuroscience Services - Inova Health System

Risk Factors
Other heart disease — People with coronary heart disease or heart failure have an
increased risk of stroke. Dilated cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart), heart valve disease,
and some types of congenital heart defects also raise the risk of stroke.
Sickle cell disease (also called sickle cell anemia) — This is a genetic disorder that
mainly affects African-American and Hispanic children. "Sickled” (deformed) red blood
cells are less able to carry oxygen to the body. These cells also tend to stick to blood vessel
walls and can block arteries to the brain.
High blood cholesterol — People with high cholesterol have an increased risk for
stroke. Also, having low HDL (“good”) cholesterol is a risk factor for stroke in men.
What stroke risk factors can I change on my own?
Poor diet — Diets high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol can raise blood
cholesterol levels. Diets high in sodium (salt) can be a factor in high blood
pressure. Eating more calories than you need can lead to obesity.
Physical inactivity and obesity — Being inactive or obese can increase your risk of
stroke and can lead to many other risk factors for stroke.
Cigarette smoking — Studies have shown that cigarette smoking is a key risk factor for
stroke. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the heart and blood vessels. Smoking
while using hormonal birth control further increases the risk of stroke.
Alcohol abuse — Alcohol abuse can lead to many medical problems, including stroke.
For those who drink alcohol, men should have no more than two drinks per day and
non-pregnant women should have no more than one drink per day.
Drug abuse — Drugs that are abused (including cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin)
have been linked with an increased risk of stroke. Strokes caused by drug abuse are often
seen in younger people.
What are other possible risk factors?
Geographic location — Strokes are more common in the southeastern United States
than in other areas. These are called "stroke belt" states. The increased risk of stroke may
be due to cultural differences in lifestyle and diet (such as saltier and fattier foods).
Socioeconomic factors — There is some evidence that strokes are more common
among low-income people.
PATIENT INFORMATION GUIDE FOR STROKE
inova.org/neuro