It can indirectly increase your stroke risk by clogging blood vessels and by putting people at a greater risk of heart disease, another important stroke risk factor. Heart disease is usually linked to the build-up of deposits on heart blood vessel walls or to high blood pressure. AF raises your stroke risk because it allows blood to pool in your heart, where it can form stroke-producing clots. Your chances of having a stroke increase as you age. Two-thirds of all strokes happen to people over age 65.
Men have a slightly higher stroke risk than women.
How to Prevent a Brain Attack A brain attack is one of the most preventable of all life-threatening health problems. Some risk factors are controllable and others are not. With proper attention to your controllable risk factors, the impact of uncontrollable ones can be greatly reduced. Follow your physician's medication and treatment orders carefully, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Do not change, add or stop medication without consulting your doctor.