Who is at risk of a brain stroke?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Strokes strike out of the blue, without warning and can happen to anyone, even people who are healthy. But risk skyrockets in people who engage in unhealthy behaviors or turn their backs on strategies that deal with problems known to raise the risk.
Risk factors for stroke are similar to those that cause heart attack. That's because blood vessel narrowing and damage that affects the arteries supplying the heart, can also wreak havoc in vessels supplying the brain. Anyone who is lucky enough to survive a stroke is at risk for another: 15% have a secondary stroke within a few years of the first.Strokes strike out of the blue, without warning and can happen to anyone, even people who are healthy. But risk skyrockets in people who engage in unhealthy behaviors or turn their backs on strategies that deal with problems known to raise the... More -
Dr. Steven Meyers of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:Anyone can suffer a stroke but a variety of conditions increase this risk greatly. Common risk factors for stroke include hypertension, diabetes, increased cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise. The risk of stroke can be reduced by eliminating and/or treating these risks factors. Not smoking, eating properly, and exercising regularly are simple things everyone can do to lower their risk of stroke and heart attack. See your doctor regularly and take medications prescribed to control high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes as directed.Anyone can suffer a stroke but a variety of conditions increase this risk greatly. Common risk factors for stroke include hypertension, diabetes, increased cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise. The risk of stroke can be reduced by... More
