A stroke occurs when a part of the brain is deprived of oxygen and dies. According to the National Stroke Association, it's the third leading cause of death in the U.S., taking about 160,000 lives every year. Several risk factors have been identified for stroke. Although it can occur at any age, it's more common in the elderly. The American Heart Association estimates risk for stroke doubles each decade after 55.
Men are at higher risk than women.
Family history of stroke also plays an important role. According to the American Heart Association, African-Americans are twice as likely as whites to suffer a stroke. Death from stroke is also two times higher in African-Americans. Researchers say several factors may contribute to higher stroke rates among African-Americans. As a group, they tend to have high rates of other medical conditions that increase risk for stroke, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking.