Others are a function of natural processes. Others result from lifestyle. Factors resulting from heredity or natural processes can't be changed, but environmental factors can be modified with a doctor's help. Hypertension is the most important risk factor for stroke. In fact, stroke risk varies directly with blood pressure.
Hypertension afflicts about one in four American adults, both men and women, of all ages.
Controlling high blood pressure reduces the risk stroke significantly. Often blood pressure can be controlled by eating a healthier diet and maintaining proper weight, Drugs that control blood pressure are also available. Many experts believe that the death rate from stoke has declined over the past decade is due to better control of hypertension. Heart Disease-Independent of hypertension, people with heart disease have more than twice the risk of stroke than people with normally functioning hearts. Controlling these factors reduces the risk of heart disease and thus the risk of stroke.