Binge drinking and drinking an average of more than one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Illegal drug use. Intravenous and other injecting drug use leads to a high risk of stroke. Cocaine and methamphetamine use can cause stroke even for first-time users. Factors which can be altered with medical care High blood pressure .
Hypertension is the single most important treatable risk factor for stroke.
Blood pressure is measured by two numbers. The top number, systolic blood pressure, should be less than 140. The bottom number, diastolic blood pressure, should be under 90. Blood pressure that remains at or above this level is considered high blood pressure. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.