(HealthDay News) -- A stroke doesn't have to be inevitable, since there are things you can do to help lower your risk.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says risk factors for stroke that you can control include:
- Having high blood pressure (140/90 mm/Hg or higher), which is among the biggest risk factors for stroke.
- Being a smoker or being exposed to secondhand smoke.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Using illegal drugs.
- Being obese.
- Eating an unhealthy diet.
- Getting insufficient exercise.
- Having high cholesterol.
