What Increases Your Risk of Stroke?

🧠 Why Stroke Risk Matters

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The good news? Up to 80% of strokes are preventable by managing key risk factors.

Understanding what puts you at risk helps you take action before it’s too late.

⚠️ Top Risk Factors That Increase Your Stroke Risk

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

The #1 cause of stroke. It puts constant pressure on blood vessels, making them more likely to rupture or clog.

✅ Tip: Aim for a reading under 120/80 mmHg.

2. Diabetes

High blood sugar damages blood vessels and makes clots more likely to form—doubling or tripling your risk of stroke.

✅ Tip: Monitor A1C and manage diabetes through diet, exercise, and medication.

3. High Cholesterol

Too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, restricting blood flow and triggering clots.

✅ Tip: Lower intake of saturated fats and increase fiber and healthy fats.

4. Smoking

Nicotine and carbon monoxide damage blood vessels, reduce oxygen in your blood, and increase clotting.

✅ Tip: Quitting smoking can cut stroke risk in half within 5 years.

5. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

This irregular heartbeat can cause blood to pool and form clots in the heart that travel to the brain.

✅ Tip: Ask your doctor about blood thinners if you have AFib.

6. Obesity

Excess body weight increases your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol problems—all of which raise your stroke risk.

✅ Tip: Even losing 10% of your weight can make a big difference.

7. Physical Inactivity

A sedentary lifestyle contributes to poor circulation, weight gain, and blood pressure issues.

✅ Tip: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times a week.

8. Heavy Alcohol Use

Drinking too much raises blood pressure and causes irregular heart rhythms.

✅ Tip: Limit alcohol to 1 drink/day for women or 2 for men.

9. Poor Diet

High salt, processed foods, and sugar increase your chances of stroke.

✅ Tip: Eat a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

10. Family History

Having a close relative with a stroke increases your risk—but lifestyle still plays a bigger role for most people.

Bonus: Previous Stroke or TIA (Mini Stroke)

If you’ve had a stroke or TIA before, your chances of another one are significantly higher without preventive action.

✅ Tip: Follow your rehab plan closely and use assistive tools like ReHAND™ to continue therapy at home.

✋ How ReHAND™ Supports Stroke Prevention & Recovery

If you've already had a stroke—or want to stay prepared—rehabilitation and movement are crucial.

🖐️ ReHAND™ Can Help:

• Improve circulation and reduce stiffness

• Support post-stroke hand mobility and strength

• Stimulate neuroplasticity in the brain

• Help prevent complications from immobility

• Allow you to train safely from home every day

Whether you’re recovering or working to avoid another stroke, ReHAND™ empowers you to keep moving forward.

👉 Ready to strengthen your recovery or prevention plan?

Explore ReHAND™ Hand Rehabilitation Glove and reclaim control over your rehab journey.