A stroke can happen to anyone, but there are some things that increase your risk of a stroke. It's important to know what the risk factors are, and do what you can to reduce your risk.
Your age
As we get older, our arteries naturally become narrower and harder. They are also more likely to become clogged with fatty material, known as atherosclerosis. You can read more about how atherosclerosis can lead to an ischaemic stroke. It's never too late to reduce your risk of a stroke, and we have some great ideas for things you can try.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of stroke. Find out more about each condition, diagnosis and treatment here:
- High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke.
- Diabetes can make your arteries more likely to get clogged up.
- Atrial fibrillation can lead to a clot forming in your heart, causing a stroke.
- High cholesterol can make your arteries more likely to get clogged up.
Lifestyle factors
It's never too late to make a change. We have some ideas for things you can try in order to reduce your risk of stroke.
Family history
If a close relative (parent, grandparent, brother or sister) has had a stroke, your risk is likely to be higher. Speak to your GP if you have close relatives with stroke or heart attack, as some kinds of high cholesterol can run in families.
Your ethnicity
Strokes happen more often in people who are black or from South Asian families. If you're black or South Asian, you may need to get checked at an earlier age for diabetes, especially if you have any risk factors like being overweight. Contact your GP surgery to ask for a health check.
More information
A stroke can happen to anyone, but there are some things that increase your risk of a stroke. It's important to know what the risk factors are, and do what you can to reduce your risk.
The information on this page can be accessed in the following formats:
- Download this information as a pdf or large print document.
- Order a printed copy from our shop.
- To request a braille copy, email helpline@stroke.org.uk.