Risk Factors You CAN Control

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Heart Disease
• Atrial Fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
• High Cholesterol
• Atherosclerosis (build-up of fatty deposits in arteries)
• Smoking
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity

Risk Factors You CANNOT Control

• Increasing Age (2/3 of all strokes happen over the age of 65)
• Gender (25% more common in males)
• Heredity (family history)
• Race (More common in African Americans)
• Previous stroke, TIA or heart attack

The majority of Risk Factors you CAN control are related to cardiovascular fitness. Stroke is a form of cardiovascular disease and by keeping your heart and vessels as healthy as possible, you greatly reduce your risk of a stroke. You may need to consult with your physician and develop a plan to reduce your risk of a stroke, or you may be able to take significant steps on your own. 

Time is critical when you or someone you know is having a Stroke.  Call 911 if you think you're having a stroke.

Act F.A.S.T.