What are 7 controllable risk factors of a stroke?

High blood pressure – The top cause of stroke. Smoking – Damages blood vessels and thickens blood. Diabetes – Increases plaque buildup in arteries. High cholesterol – Leads to arterial blockages. Obesity – Strains the heart and vessels. Physical inactivity – Slows circulation and increases clot risk. Excessive alcohol or drug use – Triggers irregular heartbeat and blood pressure spikes.

What are 7 controllable risk factors of a stroke?

High blood pressure – The top cause of stroke. Smoking – Damages blood vessels and thickens blood. Diabetes – Increases plaque buildup in arteries. High cholesterol – Leads to arterial blockages. Obesity – Strains the heart and vessels. Physical inactivity – Slows circulation and increases clot risk. Excessive alcohol or drug use – Triggers irregular heartbeat and blood pressure spikes.

Effective Ways To Reduce Your Risk Of Stroke

Keep your blood pressure in check!

Untreated high blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke. The ideal blood pressure for a healthy adult is less than 120/80mmHg.

Keep your cholesterol under control!

Cholesterol is a type of fat produced by the liver. It is found in foods like meat and dairy. The body needs small amounts of cholesterol, but too much of it is unhealthy. Extra cholesterol can travel around the arteries in your body, narrowing them, and increasing your risk of having a stroke.

Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly!

Diabetes can cause fatty deposits to build up in your arteries, which can lead to them becoming blocked. This increases the risk of having a stroke, especially if you have had diabetes for a long time and not taken proper steps to keep it in check.

Treat atrial fibrillation!

If you have symptoms such as heart palpitations or shortness of breath, it is for the best to see your doctor for an examination.

Drink Sensibly!

Cutting alcohol consumption altogether reduces the risk of a stroke. If not, you can at the least limit the amount of alcohol you consume. If you are an occasional drinker, it is recommended to drink more slowly, with food and alternating with water.

Quit Smoking!

If you smoke, you are twice as likely to have a stroke. The more you smoke, the more the risk of a stroke. Stopping smoking will reduce your risk of getting a stroke, irrespective of your age or for how long you have smoked.

Know the signs

The symptoms of a stroke are easy to remember with the acronym F.A.S.T

Face – Ask the person to smile and check if there is face drooping on one or both sides. Arms – Check for arm weakness or numbness Speech – See if the person has slurred or garbled speech Time – Time to get immediate medical attention

People tend to ignore the signs of a stroke because they question whether their symptoms are real. Be fast if you recognize any signs of a stroke. Did you know that about 2 million nerve cells are lost for every minute a stroke goes untreated? Make positive changes from today and be aware of the signs. It is all in the mind!

Frequently Asked Questions

Maintain healthy blood pressure, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol intake. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise regularly—at least 30 minutes a day. Keep blood sugar and cholesterol under control. Manage stress and ensure regular health checkups for early detection of stroke risks.

A heart-healthy lifestyle—regular exercise, low-salt diet, and avoiding processed foods—greatly reduces stroke risk. Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling conditions like diabetes and hypertension are essential. Taking prescribed medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, or atrial fibrillation also helps lower stroke chances effectively.

Eating leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, berries, and whole grains can cut stroke risk by up to 40%. The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins, is especially protective. Omega-3s, potassium, and antioxidants in these foods improve blood vessel health and reduce inflammation — keeping strokes at bay.

High blood pressure – The top cause of stroke.
Smoking – Damages blood vessels and thickens blood.
Diabetes – Increases plaque buildup in arteries.
High cholesterol – Leads to arterial blockages.
Obesity – Strains the heart and vessels.
Physical inactivity – Slows circulation and increases clot risk.
Excessive alcohol or drug use – Triggers irregular heartbeat and blood pressure spikes.

Yes — your body often gives warning signs before a stroke, known as mini-strokes or TIAs (Transient Ischemic Attacks). Symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness on one side, slurred speech, dizziness, vision changes, or severe headache. These signs may last a few minutes or hours — seek emergency medical help immediately to prevent a major stroke.

High blood pressure – The top cause of stroke.
Smoking – Damages blood vessels and thickens blood.
Diabetes – Increases plaque buildup in arteries.
High cholesterol – Leads to arterial blockages.
Obesity – Strains the heart and vessels.
Physical inactivity – Slows circulation and increases clot risk.
Excessive alcohol or drug use – Triggers irregular heartbeat and blood pressure spikes.