But more common ischemic strokes may produce little or no pain. Bystanders should note that strokes may impair judgment. Victims may be unaware of their attack, or attribute it to other factors. Age, race, gender, history and habits. Those are principal risk factors for stroke, according to physicians at Rowan Regional Medical Center and the National Stroke Association .
Men have more strokes than women, and black men have the highest risk.
Those whose parents or other close blood relatives had strokes are at higher risk. Smoking doubles risk. High cholesterol, a sedentary life and excess weight, and excessive use of alcohol push it up too. Having already had a stroke boosts the risk of another by 42 percent within five years for men, and 24 percent for women. Heart and arterial disease and previous heart surgery add to the danger.