Non-Modifiable Risk factors
This non-modifiable risk factor increases the likelihood of stroke as you grow older, especially after age 55.
What is age?
This is the leading cause of stroke and damages blood vessels over time.
What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?
Excess weight contributes to conditions like hypertension and diabetes, increasing the risk of stroke.
What is obesity?
Physiotherapists design exercise programs to address this modifiable risk factor, which reduces hypertension, diabetes, and stroke risk.
What is physical inactivity?
This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen.
What is an ischemic stroke?
Women are slightly more likely than men to experience this type of cardiovascular event, partly due to hormonal factors like pregnancy and oral contraceptive use.
What is stroke?
This irregular heartbeat condition can lead to blood clots that cause strokes.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Heavy consumption of this substance is linked to both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
What is alcohol?
Occupational therapists help patients plan meals or use adaptive tools to improve this lifestyle factor, which exacerbates hypertension and cholesterol issues.
What is an unhealthy diet?
This type of stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel, leading to bleeding in or around the brain.
What is a hemorrhagic stroke?
African Americans and South Asians have a higher risk of stroke compared to Caucasians due to genetic predispositions and higher rates of conditions like hypertension and diabetes. What is this risk factor called?
What is race/ethnicity?
Quitting this habit can reduce your stroke risk by nearly half within 2–4 years.
What is smoking?
Sedentary lifestyles increase the likelihood of this syndrome, which raises stroke risk.
What is metabolic syndrome?
Both physiotherapists and occupational therapists educate patients on quitting this habit, which doubles the risk of stroke but can be mitigated within 2–4 years.
What is smoking?
A stroke in this part of the brain can lead to loss of balance, coordination, and fine motor skills.
What is the cerebellum?
A family history of stroke or genetic disorders, such as CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy) or sickle cell disease, increases your likelihood of experiencing a stroke. What type of risk factor is this?
What is genetics/family history?
A diet high in salt, fats, and processed foods can exacerbate these two stroke-related conditions.
What are high blood pressure and high cholesterol?
Cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin are strongly associated with increased stroke risk due to this type of damage.
What is vascular damage?
Physiotherapists adapt rehabilitation plans for older patients with limited mobility, addressing challenges related to this non-modifiable risk factor.
what is age?
Damage to this part of the brain during a stroke can result in paralysis affecting both sides of the body, difficulty swallowing, or even locked-in syndrome.
what is the brainstem?
This rare genetic condition, often inherited, affects blood vessels in the brain and can significantly increase the risk of stroke.
What is CADASIL?
This medical condition increases stroke risk by contributing to arterial damage and high blood pressure, and it nearly doubles the likelihood of a stroke.
What is diabetes?
Low income, poor education, or living in rural areas can limit access to healthcare and nutritious food, increasing stroke risk. What is this category of risk factors called?
What is socioeconomic status?
Occupational therapists address barriers related to this non-modifiable risk factor, such as low income or limited access to healthcare, by connecting patients with community resources.
What is socioeconomic status?
This process allows surviving neurons to form new connections after a stroke, compensating for lost functions.
What is neuroplasticity?