Risk Factors
Risk factors are the traits and habits that increase the probability of individual getting affected by the disease. Extensive clinical and statistical studies have identified several factors that increase the risk of stroke. Most of them can be controlled as they are the result of changing lifestyle and our consumption habits.
- High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure leads to atherosclerosis which then weakens the walls of the small blood vessels in the brain causing them to balloon outwards and burst.
- Cigarette smoking results in building up of fatty substances in the carotid artery which supplies blood to the brain. Nicotine, the major element within the smoke inhaled, is responsible for increasing the blood pressure. Carbon monoxide, inhaled along with smoke owing to anaerobic combustion of cigarette, reduces the amount of oxygen in blood. The smoke thickens the blood which then forms blood clots and causes stroke.
- Cardiovascular disorders such as coronary artery disease, valve defects and enlargement of one of the valvular chambers can result in building up of blood clots that might break loose and block the vessels supplying blood to the brain.
- History of chronic diabetes increases the risk of stroke as long-standing diabetes leads to destructive changes in the blood vessels. If the patient suffering from stroke has high blood glucose level, it might lead to high level of brain damage.
- Physical inactivity increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and heart disease resulting in risk of stroke.
- Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of stroke as it is instrumental in increasing the blood pressure
- The incidence of stroke increases with age across both genders. After the age of 55, the risk of strokes doubles.
- People who have a family history of stroke face a higher risk.
- Risk of stroke increases if the person has had a history of stroke.
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Special Risk Factors In Case of Women
As far as the above risk factors are concerned, both women and men share most of same risk. But there are few risk factors which are unique to women. These include:
- Use of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, birth control patch) slightly increases the risk of stroke.
- Risk of stroke increases in some pregnant women just before and after giving birth. The warning signs in these women are high blood pressure, protein in the urine, swelling of the hands and high blood sugar.
- Taking hormone replacement therapy during menopause may increase the risk of stroke among women.
