Fast Facts About Stroke Risks:

  • High blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or higher; optimal BP is less than 120/80 mm Hg)  
  • Smoking  
  • Being overweight or obese  
  • Physical inactivity 
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Family history of stroke  
  • Previous TIA or "mini-stroke"

While anyone can have a stroke, knowing about and managing risk factors reduces risk. African Americans are among those least aware of stroke risk factors, despite having a high prevalence of high blood pressure, obesity and tobacco use. In fact, the prevalence of high blood pressure in African Americans in the United States is the highest in the world; Among blacks age 20 and older, 62.9 percent of men and 77.2 percent of women are overweight or obese; in 2001, 27.7 percent of blacks used tobacco products; cigarette smoking approximately doubles a person's risk for stroke.

Taking simple actions now against even one risk factor can help reduce the risk of having a stroke. 

  1.     Commit to the American Stroke Association's stroke pledge and join the
       movement to fight stroke.
  2.      - Get your blood pressure checked. If it's 140/90 mm Hg or higher,
       control it.
  3.      - Visit your doctor regularly to monitor your health. Your business should not be more important than a visit to the doctor.
  4.      - If you smoke, stop!
  5.      - Start physical activity. Try to work up to accumulating 30 minutes of
       activity on most or all days of the week.

Source: American Stroke Association.  Read ALL ABOUT BLACK HEALTH Editor's Comment
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