Aneurysms can be surgically repaired, depending on their location. Numerous studies have found that most people don't know crucial information about stroke, such as preventative measures and recognition of symptoms that could save their lives or those of loved ones. Many strokes are preventable by controlling major risk factors. High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk of stroke four to six times above normal. Hypertension is common, affecting one in three adults in the United States, but it can usually be controlled by medication.
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.