History of prior stroke - A person who has had a stroke is more likely to have a second stroke than someone who has never had a stroke. Heart Disease and Carotid Artery Disease - The presence of heart disease doubles the risk for stroke. Secondary risk factors such as elevated cholesterol, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle subsequently increase the risk for stroke. Women who take oral contraceptives and smoke increase their risk for stroke. Elevated Red Blood Cell Count - An abundance of red blood cells can cause the blood to be thicker.
Thicker blood has a greater tendency to clot, thereby increasing the risk for stroke.
According to the National Stroke Association, consuming more than three alcoholic beverages a day can raise the risk of ICH by seven times. Alcohol also increases the risk for SAH and ruptured aneurysms. Anticoagulant Medications - Used to treat ischemic strokes, thin the blood and decreasing blood clot formation. Anticoagulants can be a risk factor ICH if the blood becomes too thin. Have your blood levels checked regularly if you take these drugs.