Risk factors

What factors contribute to the risk of having another stroke?

There are a number of factors associated with the risk of having another stroke. While you don't have control over some factors to do with your health, you can still actively reduce your risk of having another event in many ways.

Risk factors include:

Age. The older you are the greater risk you have of another stroke.
Family history. Stroke is an inherited condition. So if someone in your family has had a stroke, you need to take particular caution.
Weight. If you are overweight, the more at risk you are. Excess weight puts constant strain on your heart, elevating your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Extra kilos around the waist are particularly risky.
Fitness. A healthy heart needs plenty of exercising. A strong heart pumps blood with less effort than a weaker one. Exercise also helps narrowed arteries, improves blood pressure, controls weight and improves blood cholesterol. Great low impact exercises can include yoga, pilates, walking and mild aerobics.
Cholesterol levels. If your cholesterol levels are too high, it can build up in your artery walls – this may cause a clot to develop in an artery.
Blood pressure. The pressure fluctuates throughout the day, but if it is regularly higher than normal, your heart has to work harder and may become enlarged and weaken. High blood pressure also damages the artery walls making them susceptible to plaque build-up, which clogs and narrows arteries.
Stress. Too much stress can harm your heart. Your natural response to stress causes changes to your body's reactions. Your blood pressure goes up, your heart beats faster and your body releases ‘fight or flight' chemicals for quick energy.
Smoking. Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death. The more you smoke, the higher your risk will be of having another stroke. In fact if you are a smoker, you double your risk of stroke compared to a non-smoker⁴.
Alochol. Excess alcohol can increase your risk of heart disease. If you drink, do it in moderation. A rule of thumb is no more than two drinks a day for men, and one for women.

Are you at risk of having another stroke?

Yes, if you have had a heart attack or stroke you are at a greater risk of experiencing another event. After a stroke, the rehabilitation process is very important. Ask your doctor about the development of a comprehensive program to help manage the risk factors and reduce the risk of another event.

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