Find out if you have atrial fibrillation. This blood, which is not moving through your body, tends to clot. The beating of your heart can move one of these blood clots into your blood stream, and can cause a stroke. Your doctor can diagnose AF by carefully evaluating your pulse. If you smoke, stop.
Smoking doubles the risk for stroke.
If you stop smoking today, your risk for stroke will immediately begin to drop. Within five years, your stroke risk may be the same as that of a non-smoker. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Heavy drinking increases your risk for stroke. Find out if you have high cholesterol.