What causes a stroke
- Suzanne Walsh, Stroke Advanced Nurse Practitioner
- 3 minute read
- Last updated: September 2023
Find out about what causes a stroke, why they happen and what you can do to prevent them.
What is in your control
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke.
learn more about blood pressure
Poor diet
Consider trying the Mediterranean diet and reducing the level of salt you use. High salt levels, such as those found in processed foods, can increase blood pressure.
learn more about eating healthy
Excess alcohol
Alcohol raises blood pressure, cholesterol and weight, increasing your stroke and heart attack risks.
learn more about alcohol after stroke
High cholesterol
Too much fat circulating in the blood can block blood vessels. Know your total cholesterol and especially your LDL (bad cholesterol) score. Ask your GP (family doctor) about your individual LDL target.
learn more about monitoring cholesterol
Smoking
Stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do to prevent another stroke. If you smoke, you are twice as likely to have a stroke.
learn more about quitting smoking
Diabetes
Know your HbA1C level. This is a blood test that shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the last two to three months.
learn more about diabetes and stroke
Obesity
Know your BMI (body mass index). BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight, and it applies to adult men and women. Online calculators are available.
Physical inactivity
Consider investing in a fitness tracker to count your steps. Do light exercises while watching TV or even join a couch to 5k running club. Low impact exercise like swimming can be great for people with joint problems.
learn more about movement and balance
Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
Atrial fibrillation (also know as A-Fib or AF) is an irregular heartbeat that is often abnormally fast. With AFib, blood clots can form in the heart, which can then lead to a stroke.
learn more about atrial fibrillation
Sleep apnoea
This is when your breathing stops and starts in your sleep. Loud snoring is usually a symptom.
learn more about sleeping after stroke
Drug abuse
Some drugs harm the vital organs, such as the liver, heart and kidneys, while others directly damage blood vessels in the brain. Common drugs that have strong stroke risks include cocaine, heroin and amphetamines.
What is out of your control
Age
Stroke risk increases with age.
Gender
Stroke is more common in men.
Ethnicity
There are higher rates of stroke in African, Hispanic and Asian communities.
Previous history of stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack)
If you previously had a stroke or TIA, you are at an increased risk of having another stroke.
