Stroke Risk Assessment

Are You At Risk For A Stroke?

Stroke Risk Factors Check List

• Are you Male > 55,?
• Do you smoke or live with someone who smokes every day?
• Is your blood pressure >140/90 or you don’t know?
• Are you 20 pounds or more overweight?
• Have you been diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease?
• Race – African Americans are at higher risk.
• Do you have a Positive Family History?
• Is your Cholesterol–Total >200 mg/dl?
• Is your HDL (good cholesterol) <35 mg/dl or you don’t know?
• Are you physically inactive (Less than 30 minutes 3 times a week)?
• Are you diabetic or take medication to control your blood sugar?
• Have you ever had a Stroke/TIA or Carotid Artery Disease?

If You’re At Risk…

Have blood cholesterol checked at least every five years.

240 mg/daily level-plus is in the red zone and HDL level should be at least 35 mg/dl.

Have your blood pressure checked at least every two years.

Keep track of it. 140/90 is high and constant high blood pressure damages your vessels. Controlling high blood pressure reduces stroke risk by 30–40%.

Have fasting plasma glucose checked at least every three years.

Like coronary heart disease, diabetes is considered a disease of the vessels.

Maintain a healthy weight

For most, it’s a lifestyle choice that involves improving your diet and activity levels.

Be active or exercise at least 20 minutes a day

Increasing exercise to even a moderate level reduces stroke risk by 20%.

Don’t smoke

Quitting smoking will decrease the risk of stroke. After 5 years of not smoking it is no longer considered a risk factor.

Don’t consume alcohol in excess

If you drink, do so in moderation. One per day if you’re a woman and two for men.