Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

The risk factors (things that increase risk) for transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke include those you can treat or change and those you can't change.

Risk factors you can treat or change include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Atrial fibrillation.
• Diabetes.
• Smoking.
• High cholesterol.
• Reference Heavy use of alcohol Opens New Window.
• Being overweight.
• Physical inactivity.

Risk factors you cannot change include:

• Age. The risk of TIA and stroke increases with age.
• Race. African Americans, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives have a higher risk than those of other races.
• Gender. TIA and stroke are more common in men than women until age 75, when more women than men have strokes. Because women live longer than men, more women have strokes each year.
• Family history. The risk for TIA and stroke is greater if a parent, brother, or sister has had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
• History of stroke or TIA.

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