Illegal drug use. Intravenous and other injecting drug use leads to a high risk of stroke. Cocaine and methamphetamine use can cause stroke even for first-time users. Factors which can be altered with medical care High blood pressure . Hypertension is the single most important treatable risk factor for stroke.
Blood pressure is measured by two numbers.
The top number, systolic blood pressure, should be less than 140. The bottom number, diastolic blood pressure, should be under 90. Blood pressure that remains at or above this level is considered high blood pressure. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Treatment to keep blood sugar in the normal range will reduce, though not eliminate, the increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.