Pregnancy carries a very small risk for stroke, which appears to be higher in the postpartum periods, perhaps because of the sudden change in circulation and hormone levels. Lower levels of testosterone may increase the risk for men as they age. People with sickle-cell anemia are at risk for stroke at a young age. Other General Risk Factors Like heart attack and sudden cardiac death, stroke appears to be more common in the morning hours. The risk of stroke for women of all ages and young men increases on weekends and holidays.
Shorter people have a higher risk than taller individuals.
About 160,000 Americans die of stroke each year, and the incidence of death from stroke is rising. Some experts believe the increase may be due to the aging population and a decline in detection and treatment of high blood pressure. Stroke also is responsible for more injuries from falls than any other medical condition. Nearly one-third of all strokes are fatal within the first 30 days, but more than half of stroke victims survive beyond five years. People who suffer ischemic strokes have a better chance for survival than those who experience hemorrhagic strokes.