If you do drink, moderately is defined as no more than one drink per day for women or two for men. Heavy drinking is strongly associated with stroke. More than 2 alcoholic drinks a day raises blood pressure levels, and high blood pressure is a risk for stroke. Find out if you have heart disease. Many forms of heart disease increase your risk of stroke.
Atrial fibrillation is especially worrisome.
This irregular heartbeat may cause blood clots to form, travel to the brain, and cause a stroke. Proper treatment can significantly reduce this risk. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of an anti-clotting medication. Heart disease increases the risk of stroke between 2 and 25 times depending on the type of heart condition. Generally this is recommended if there are other risk factors for stroke.