A risk factor is a attribute which is positively associated with the development of a disease but is not sufficient to cause the disease. A recently identified potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease is low levels serum folate. Loosly defined as low levels of physical acivity over extended periods of time. Lack of physical exercise is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A relative term the definition of which varies between researchers.
Smoking is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
The ratio of the number of events observed in a population to the number that would be expected if the population had the same specific rates as a standard population, multiplied by 100. Narrowing or constricting of a duct, canal or blood vessel. Thrombolitic strokes are due to cerebral thrombosis often superimposed on a plaque of atherosclerosis with symptom onset ranging from minutes to days. Embolic strokes are due to cerebral embolism, they usually have a sudden onset of symptoms reflecting abrupt loss of blood flow to the brain region of the occluded artery. Reversible neurological or retinal deficits secondary to decrease in blood flow.