Risk of stroke is influenced by a number of factors. The more risk factors you have, the higher your chances of having a stroke. Some stroke risk factors cannot be controlled. These include:

• Age - as you get older, your risk of stroke increases
• Gender - stroke is more common in men
• A family history of stroke.

However, there are number of risk factors for stroke you can control and in doing so can help reduce the chances of having a stroke.

(Download the Risk Factor Tick Test)  

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

TIA, or mini-stroke, is a warning a future stroke may be imminent. Early identification of symptoms and treatment by your doctor greatly reduces the chances of a major stroke.

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High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is the most important known risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure can result in damage to blood vessel walls eventually leading to a stroke. You can control your blood pressure by changing your diet and lifestyle, particularly through regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, or your doctor may prescribe medication. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80; if your blood pressure is consistently over 140/90 you have high blood pressure. The lower your blood pressure, the lower your risk of stroke. 

(Download the PDF fact sheet)

Cigarette Smoking

Smoking can increases your risk of stroke by increasing blood pressure and reducing oxygen in the blood. Seek advice on how you can quit smoking as soon as possible by calling the QUIT line on 13 18 48.

High Cholesterol Level

High cholesterol level is a contributing factor to blood vessel disease, which often leads to stroke. To reduce cholesterol in your blood, eat foods low in saturated fat. Choose lean meats and low-fat dairy products; limit your intake of eggs. Your doctor may prescribe medication to lower your cholesterol but diet changes and exercise are still important.

(Download the PDF fact sheet)

Poor Diet and Lack of Exercise

Being inactive, overweight or both can increase your risk of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. A balanced diet eating fresh foods where possible is recommended.  It is also important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake; this helps to maintain a healthy body weight.  People who participate in moderate activity are less likely to have a stroke. Try and build up to at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program as people with high blood pressure should avoid some types of exercises.

Obesity

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of stroke. Too much body fat can contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and can lead to heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.  If you are unable to maintain your weight within recommended levels, ask a doctor or nutritionist for help.

Diabetes

Diabetes, Type 1 (usually occurs from a young age and is treated with insulin injections) or Type 2 (usually occurs from 30 years onwards and is treated with either tablets or in some cases insulin) can damage the entire circulatory system and is a risk factor for stroke. Talk to your doctor about controlling diabetes if you are diabetic.

Alcohol

Your risk of stroke can be reduced with moderate alcohol intake (1-2 glasses a day). However, excessive amounts of alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke.

Irregular Pulse (atrial fibrillation)

You are more at risk of stroke if you have an irregular pulse due to the condition atrial fibrillation or AF. Your doctor can diagnose this condition and advise you on how best to manage this if it happens. If you experience symptoms such as palpitations, weakness, faintness or breathlessness, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

(Download the PDF fact sheet)

Less common risk factors

Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD)
Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD) is a condition where some of the arteries that carry blood throughout the body do not develop as they should. Fibrous tissue grows in the wall of the arteries, causing them to narrow. As a result, blood flow through the arteries decreases.

In most cases (75% of patients), FMD affects the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys (renal arteries). But it can also affect the artery in your neck that supplies blood to the brain (the carotid artery). Sometimes it affects other arteries, such as those to the arms and legs or to the abdomen.

How is FMD related to stroke?

FMD may damage arteries to the brain, interrupting blood flow to the brain and causing a stroke. It may also lead to bleeding in the brain, causing a hemorrhagic stroke.