Who is at risk? Patsy Westcott Some people are more likely than others to suffer a stroke, so who is more at risk and why, and are there any lifestyle changes we can make to reduce our chances?

In this article

Lifestyle factors

Medical factors

Other factors

Anyone of any age, including children, can have a stroke. However nine out of ten of people affected are over 55. Certain risk factors increase the chances of someone having a stroke.

Some risk factors are within your control. These are lifestyle factors such as:

• Smoking - smokers are at twice the risk of stroke.
• Inactivity - people who are physically inactive are at twice the risk of stroke as those who are moderately active.
• Alcohol - binge-drinking and regular heavy alcohol intake increase the risk of stroke.
• Diet - a diet high in salt and fatty foods is linked to high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, which increase the risk of stroke.

Some illnesses and medical conditions increase the risk of stroke. They include:

• High blood pressure - persistent, untreated hypertension is the major risk factor for stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
• Cardiovascular problems - existing blood vessel disease, angina, heart attack or a previous TIA and atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heart beat) increase the risk of stroke.
• Diabetes - diabetes doubles the risk of a stroke.

Most of these can be treated.

Some risk factors are beyond your control and can't be medically treated. They include:

• Age - stroke is more common in people over the age of 55.
• Gender - in the under-75s, men are more likely than women to have a stroke.
• Ethnic background - south Asians, Africans and African-Caribbeans are at a higher risk of stroke.
• Genetic inheritance - if you have a first-degree relative who had a stroke at an early age (under 50) you're at higher risk.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in July 2007.
First published in January 2000.