Hypertension is common, affecting one in three adults in the United States, but it can usually be controlled by medication. High levels of blood cholesterol increase stroke risk directly and indirectly. Deposits of cholesterol on artery walls increase the risk of thrombotic stroke. High cholesterol levels are also associated with greater risk of heart disease. Cholesterol levels can usually be reduced through a low fat diet, exercise, and if necessary, medications.
Heart disease increases stroke risk six times above normal.
Atrial fibrillation, where the upper left chamber of the heart beats erratically, leads to pooling of blood in the heart and clot formation and results in an increased risk of embolic stroke. Heart valve disease is also associated with embolic strokes. Lifestyle risk factors can be reduced or eliminated to decrease the chance of stroke. Smoking doubles stroke risk by damaging and increasing deposits on blood vessel walls and by raising blood pressure. Excessive body weight strains the circulatory system and increases the likelihood of other risk factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.