It speeds up hardening of the arteries, increases the chance for blood clots to form and raises blood pressure. The good news is that if you quit smoking today, your stroke risk from this factor may decrease significantly. However, drinking more than two drinks per day may increase your risk for stroke by as much as three times. Since alcohol is a drug that can interact with medication you are taking, we recommend that you discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor. Drinking alcohol can lead to other health and lifestyle problems, so if you don't drink, don't start.
Excess weight puts a strain on the entire circulatory system.
It also makes people more likely to have other stroke risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Your doctor can recommend a weight reduction program that includes changes in diet and exercise. By adapting a healthy lifestyle, you can significantly decrease your risk for stroke. Having high blood pressure, or hypertension, makes you four to six times more likely to have a stroke. It is the single most controllable stroke risk factor.