Risk factors for ischemic stroke include modifiable and nonmodifiable conditions. Identification of risk factors in each patient can uncover clues to the cause of the stroke and the most appropriate treatment and secondary prevention plan.
Nonmodifiable risk factors include the following (although there are probably many others):
Age
Race
Sex
Ethnicity
Fibromuscular dysplasia
Heredity: family history of stroke or TIAs
Modifiable risk factors include the following:
Hypertension (the most important)
Diabetes mellitus
Cardiac disease: atrial fibrillation, valvular disease, heart failure, mitral stenosis, structural anomalies allowing right-to-left shunting (eg, patent foramen ovale), and atrial and ventricular enlargement
Hypercholesterolemia
TIAs
Carotid stenosis
Hyperhomocystinemia
Lifestyle issues: excessive alcohol intake, tobacco use, illicit drug use, physical inactivity
Obesity
Oral contraceptive use/postmenopausal hormone use
Sickle cell disease
Stroke is a recognized risk factor for osteoporosis. Higher serum calcium levels have been associated with lesser stroke severity and better outcomes.
Read more about the etiology of ischemic stroke.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Richard H. Sinert. Fast Five Quiz: Stroke - Medscape - Nov 06, 2020.
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