High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke for women and men. Many other risk factors for stroke, such as age and heart disease, are also the same for women and men. Some risk factors are unique to women. These can include:

• Using hormonal birth control (certain types of combination pills, patches, and vaginal rings)
• History of problems during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes
• Menopausal hormone therapy during or after menopause
• Waist size larger than 35 inches with a triglyceride level greater than 128 milligrams per deciliter