Controllable factors:

These factors have a cumulative effect; the presence of one raises the chance of several other factors. On the other hand, controlling one can drop multiple factors.
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle – These raise the chance of several stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

High blood pressure – Hypertension creates extra strain on the arteries, weakening them. It is the leading risk factor for stroke. It is important to keep a close eye on blood pressure numbers and work with a doctor to keep them in a healthy range.
Diabetes – Unmanaged diabetes raises many risk factors, from blood pressure to cholesterol and heart disease.

High cholesterol –With this, plaque builds up in the arteries and may eventually block them, leading to atherosclerosis, yet another risk factor.
Heart disease and disorders – These include coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat. AFib alone increases stroke risk five times over.
Blood disorders – Sickle cell disease or anemia can cause stroke if unmanaged. These disorders also ravage other systems in the body; it is vital to control them.

Recreational substance use – includes smoking, heavy drinking, and illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine. Smoking lowers oxygen levels in the blood, forcing the heart to work harder and creating blood clots. Street drugs also increase stroke risk. Both should be abstained from. Heavy drinking also contributes to the chance of stroke. People, especially those with many other risk factors, should stick to one drink a day for women, two drinks for men.

Medications – Ironically, some of the pills prescribed by a doctor to manage other conditions can raise stroke risk. One example is hormonal birth control. It is important to talk with the doctor and balance out the risks and benefits of all such medications.

Anyone with concerns or multiple stroke risk factors should talk to their doctor and come up with a strategy to hopefully prevent the stroke.