High blood pressure — the risk of stroke begins to increase at blood pressure readings higher than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Your doctor will help you decide on a target blood pressure based on your age, whether you have diabetes and other factors.
Cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
High cholesterol.
Diabetes.
Obstructive sleep apnea — a sleep disorder in which the oxygen level intermittently drops during the night.
Cardiovascular disease, including heart failure,
heart defects, heart infection or abnormal heart rhythm.
Other factors associated with a higher risk of stroke include.