Several factors can increase the risk of having a stroke, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). Age is also a significant risk factor, with the risk of stroke doubling every decade after age 55. Family history, race/ethnicity, and gender (men have a higher risk than women) also play a role. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking, can help reduce the risk of stroke. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that addressing multiple risk factors can significantly lower the risk of stroke. [https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1804492]
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