How to determine your risk factor.
Stroke is a medical emergency with lifelong – sometimes fatal – effects. Understanding stroke risk factors is crucial for prevention and timely intervention. These factors encompass various lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and genetic predispositions. High blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes are primary risk factors contributing to arterial plaque buildup, vessel narrowing, and clot formation – common causes of the majority of strokes.
Additionally, conditions such as atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure share a common link—irregular heart rhythms or impaired heart function, which can lead to blood clots and stroke. Patent foramen ovale, a congenital heart defect, also increases stroke risk due to abnormal blood flow patterns.
Certain medications and medical conditions, such as synthetic hormones, high cholesterol, and hypercoagulable states, can further elevate the risk of blood clot formation, thereby increasing the likelihood of stroke. Stimulant use, whether recreational or prescribed, also heightens stroke risk by increasing blood pressure and heart rate.
Recognizing these interconnected risk factors empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health, embrace healthier lifestyles, and seek medical interventions.
At St. Mary's Stroke Center, we are committed to going above and beyond for each patient, crafting personalized care plans, and guiding patients through effective strategies to reduce their risk factors. By offering this dedicated support and education, we aim not only to treat strokes but also to proactively prevent them, fostering better health outcomes and enhanced well-being for our patients.
As a leading stroke center in Georgia, it is our responsibility to raise awareness about these risk factors and educate the community on preventive measures to reduce their impact. St. Mary's Hospital is a top choice for stroke care, using advanced methods and equipment to quickly treat strokes and prevent long-term problems. We're the first hospital in Georgia certified by The Joint Commission as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, with the ability to remove large blood clots that cause severe strokes 24 hours a day. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report for our excellent stroke care, we offer everything from fast tests to specialized treatments like clot-busting drugs and procedures to remove clots.
Whether it's emergency care, inpatient or outpatient rehab, or ongoing support groups and wellness programs, we're here to provide the best care possible every step of the way.
- St. Mary’s Stroke services
- St. Mary’s Wellness Center
- St. Mary’s Outpatient Diabetes Program
- St. Mary’s Neurological Specialists
- Georgia Neurological Surgery & Comprehensive Spine
A Primary Care Physician is key to wellness, including assessing your risk factors for stroke and accessing preventive care. St. Mary’s can help you find a PCP today.