Strokes can happen suddenly and without warning and are a leading cause of serious disability and death in the United States. But by understanding the risk factors that lead to stroke, and taking steps to protect your health, you can lower your personal risk.

Here are some of the most common factors that increase stroke risk. Some are related to things you can change, while others are out of your control.

• High blood pressure. This is the number one risk factor for stroke. When blood pressure stays too high for too long, it can damage blood vessels in the brain and increase the chance of a blockage or rupture.
• Smoking. Smoking damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure. It also makes blood more likely to clot, which can lead to a stroke.
• Diabetes. High blood sugar can harm blood vessels over time. People with diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure and heart disease as well, which further increases stroke risk.
• High cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to plaque buildup inside arteries. This buildup can block blood flow to the brain.
• Heart disease. Some heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, can cause blood clots that travel to the brain and trigger a stroke.
• Obesity and inactivity. Being overweight and not getting enough exercise can increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
• Age, race, gender and family history. You can’t do anything about these factors, but they may affect your stroke risk.

Tips to Lower Your Stroke Risk

Many healthy habits can help lower your chances of having a stroke, such as:

• Keep your blood pressure under control. Regular checkups and medication when needed can make a difference.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Limiting salt and processed foods can also help.
• Stay active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, such as brisk walking or cycling.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Losing even a small amount of weight can improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Quit smoking. Stopping smoking improves blood vessel health and lowers stroke risk over time.
• Manage health conditions. Proper treatment for diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease helps protect the brain.

Signs You May Be Having a Stroke

Although you can take steps to lower your stroke risk, it’s still important to be able to recognize the signs of stroke. Some people recognize signs of stroke in themselves, but many cannot, which is why it’s important for everyone to know the warning signs.

Doctors often use the word FAST to help people remember the most common signs:

• Face drooping. One side of the face may droop or feel numb.
• Arm weakness. One arm may feel weak or drift downward when raised.
• Speech difficulty. Speech may sound slurred or hard to understand.
• Time to call 911. If you notice these symptoms, call for emergency help right away. Treatment for stroke works best when it begins as soon as possible.

Other warning signs may include sudden confusion, trouble seeing, dizziness, loss of balance or a severe headache that comes on quickly. Even if symptoms go away after a few minutes, medical care is still important because it could be a temporary stroke warning called a transient ischemic attack.

Stroke can be serious, but you can reduce your risk with healthy lifestyle choices and regular medical care. Learning the warning signs and acting quickly if they appear can also help limit disability and save lives.

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