There are nine risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases (CBVD). They are:
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- smoking
- diet
- high blood cholesterol
- lack of exercise
- being overweight and obese
- diabetes
- excessive alcohol consumption
- stress
Many of the risk factors for CBVD are linked, which means that if you have one, you're likely to have others as well.
The nine risk factors for CBVD are described below.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most significant risk factors for developing CVBD. This is because the increase in blood pressure damages the walls of the arteries in the brain, making it more likely that a blood clot will form or an artery will rupture (split open). Both of these can trigger a stroke.
If you have high blood pressure you're four times more likely to have a stroke than someone with healthy blood pressure.
Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for developing CBVD because the toxins in tobacco can damage and narrow the blood vessels in the brain.
Smoking also causes high blood pressure.
It's estimated that a person who smokes 20 cigarettes a day is six times more likely to have a stroke than a non-smoker.
Diet
A diet that's high in saturated fat and salt can cause high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels and narrowing of the arteries, all of which are risk factors of CBVD.
High blood cholesterol
High blood cholesterol can cause your arteries to narrow and increase your risk of developing a blood clot.
Lack of exercise
People who don't exercise regularly usually have higher cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and high levels of stress. They're also more likely to be overweight or obese.
Being overweight or obese
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure. Overweight and obese people also often have poor diets and don't exercise enough.
Diabetes
The high blood glucose (sugar) levels that are associated with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes can damage the arteries. People with type 2 diabetes are also often overweight or obese.
Excessive alcohol consumption
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Stress
Stress can also increase your blood pressure. The hormones that are associated with stress are also thought to increase your blood glucose levels.
