Understand Stroke Risks: Controllable & Uncontrollable Factors
Strokes can strike anyone, anytime, but certain factors significantly increase the risk. Dr. Jonathan Donnelly, a renowned vascular neurologist at Greece Ridgeway's Neuroscience Institute, highlights key controllable and uncontrollable risk factors.
Controllable risk factors include diabetes, high cholesterol, tobacco use, sleep apnea, obesity, and certain medications like hormone therapies and birth control pills. Regular checkups with a primary care provider can help manage these factors early. Uncontrollable factors comprise family history, age, race and ethnicity, and gender, with men generally at higher risk than women. Prior strokes or heart attacks also raise the likelihood of another stroke. Quick action during a stroke, using the BEFAST acronym, is crucial.
Blood clotting disorders, vascular disease, and heart disease, including atrial fibrillation, are also significant risk factors. Lifestyle habits such as illegal drug use and high blood pressure can be managed to reduce stroke risk.
Understanding and managing these risk factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of a stroke. Regular checkups and prompt action during a suspected stroke can save lives. Dr. Donnelly emphasizes the importance of awareness and proactive healthcare.
