Stroke Risk Factors

	Smoking can adversely affect blood clotting and also narrow the arteries, making it easier for blockages to occur.
	High blood pressure Though more common as you get older, may affect younger people, for instance if there is a tendency to high blood pressure in the family.
	Type 2 diabetes, heart problems or sickle cell disease Increase the risk because they affect the health of the vascular system.
	Regular heavy drinking This can, over time, raise blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke. Binge drinking can also raise blood pressure to dangerously high levels.
	Recreational drugs Cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy increase the risk of stroke, especially in people with an Arterio-Venous Malformation (AVM).
	Combined oral contraceptive pills The Pill may make the blood more likely to clot, especially in women with other risk factors, and may also raise blood pressure
	Ethnic background Asian, African and African-Caribbean people are at a greater risk of stroke