What you can't control

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Age - While it's not true that stroke only occurs in older people, it is true that older people are more at risk than the general population and that stroke risk increases with age. After the age of 55, the risk of stroke doubles. People who are over age 65 also have a seven-fold greater risk of dying from stroke than the general population.

Gender - The stroke risk for men is 1.25 times that for women. But men don't live as long as women, so men are usually younger when they have their strokes and have a higher rate of survival than women. So, even though women have fewer strokes than men, they are generally older when they have their strokes and the consequences are more serious.

Special risks for women - Pregnancy and menopause are two risk factors for women because of hormonal factors. Pregnancy and childbirth cause stroke in about eight in 100,000 women. The six weeks after childbirth is also a time of risk which is nine times higher for ischemic stroke (stroke caused by a blockage) and 28 times higher for a hemorrhagic stroke (stroke caused by a bleed). Several studies have also shown that menopause can increase a woman's risk of stroke.

Ethnicity - The incidence of stroke among African-Americans is almost double that of white Americans. Asian Americans, Native Americans and Hispanic Americans have stroke rates similar to white Americans.

Family history - Stroke seems to run in some families. This may be because members of a family have a genetic tendency for stroke risk factors such as a high blood pressure and diabetes. A common lifestyle may contribute to stroke risk in families such as a high fat, high salt diet and cigarette smoking.

Diabetes - This is a disease that increases a person's risk for stroke, especially in the fifth and six decades of life. Diabetes can cause circulation problems that add to stroke risk. Good control of the condition can reduce cardiovascular complications that can contribute to stroke. (link to) Manage High Blood Pressure

Stroke Belt - People who live in the southeast have the highest stroke mortality rate in the United States. This may be because of lower socioeconomic status and a lower overall standard of living. Lifestyle factors such as higher rates of cigarette smoking and a preference for salty, high-fat foods may contribute to this. There is a "stroke buckle" in the stroke belt. Three states, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, have an extremely high stroke rate.

Sources for this report include the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Consumer Guide No. #16 AHQR pub. no. 95-0664 US Agency For Healthcare Research and Quality.

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