Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Stroke risk factors

Stroke risk factors

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two important stroke risk factors, yet women may be unaware of their risk. This is because high blood pressure and high cholesterol do not usually cause symptoms. If you know your risk factors, you can work with your doctor or nurse to get them under control. Controlling your risk factors will lower your chances of having a stroke. It can also lower your risk of heart attack and heart disease.