Ischemic stroke risk factors

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Risk calculators and risk factors for Ischemic stroke risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Risk factors for stroke include advanced age, hypertension (high blood pressure), previous stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack), diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, atrial fibrillation, migraine with aura, and thrombophilia. In clinical practice, blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor of stroke; however many other risk factors, such as cigarette smoking cessation and treatment of atrial fibrillation with anticoagulant drugs, are important.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors for stroke include:
  • Age >65
  • Aortic arch plaque
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Family history of ischemic stroke
  • Hypercholesterolemia
  • Hypertension
  • Hypertriglyceridemia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Increased Apolipoprotein A
  • Obesity
  • Oral contraceptives
  • African-American and Hispanic race
  • Sedentary life style
  • Female gender

• Blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor of stroke.
• Stroke has a genetic component; despite this, it is still possible for people to reduce their risk.