Ironically, many strokes can be prevented. Identify the risk factors that apply to you to find out. The chances of someone having a stroke go up with age. Two-thirds of all strokes happen to people who are over age 65. Stroke risk doubles with each decade past age 55.
Males have a slightly higher stroke risk than females.
However, because women in the United States live longer than men, most stroke survivors over age 65 are women. Although actual risk varies, people with family history of stroke are at risk for stroke themselves. People with diabetes have a higher stroke risk. This may be due to circulation problems that diabetes can cause. You can manage this risk factor for stroke by following your doctor's recommendations to control your diabetes.