What are the risk factors for a stroke ???

• SMOKING - people who smoke have higher risk to get stroke than nonsmokers
• HEART DISEASE - heart disease and stroke are closely related for many reasons. They often have common risk factors
• STRESS - mental and emotional factors (stress and depression) have also been linked as a higher risk for having stroke.
• AGE - people most at risk for stroke are older adults particularly those with high blood pressure, overweight, smoke or have diabetes.
• SLEEP APNEA - which may contribute to the narrowing of the carotid artery, appears to increase the risk for stroke.
• ATHEROSCLEROSIS - hardening of the arteries.