Asian Americans, Native Americans and Hispanic Americans have stroke rates similar to white Americans. Family history - Stroke seems to run in some families. This may be because members of a family have a genetic tendency for stroke risk factors such as a high blood pressure and diabetes. A common lifestyle may contribute to stroke risk in families such as a high fat, high salt diet and cigarette smoking. This is a disease that increases a person's risk for stroke, especially in the fifth and six decades of life.
Diabetes can cause circulation problems that add to stroke risk.
Good control of the condition can reduce cardiovascular complications that can contribute to stroke. Stroke Belt - People who live in the southeast have the highest stroke mortality rate in the United States. This may be because of lower socioeconomic status and a lower overall standard of living. Lifestyle factors such as higher rates of cigarette smoking and a preference for salty, high-fat foods may contribute to this. Three states, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, have an extremely high stroke rate.