A family history of stroke also puts a person at high risk for stroke. A number of genetic factors, both hereditary and non hereditary, are also responsible for stroke. Genetic conditions like homocystinuria can also increase vulnerability to this condition.

Excessive weight gain or obesity is one of the major reasons for stroke. Obesity or excessive weight around waist and belly instead of hips can make one more prone to stroke as such obesity is caused by excess LDL or bad cholesterol accumulation. Healthy active lifestyle combined with low fat diet can reduce the risk considerably. Regular exercise like walking and jogging along with weight reduction is of prime importance. 

Both active and passive smokers are at a high risk. Smoking along with other factors, like high blood pressure and diabetes, can greatly increase the susceptibility of stroke by four times and decrease the chances of recovery. Smoking can reduce the oxygen levels in blood and also increase the chances of forming blood clots. Quitting can drastically decrease the susceptibility.

Alcohol’s relation with stroke can be very complicated. Occasional moderate drinking is good and can even prevent ischemic stroke, especially red wine. But excessive drinking puts one at a greater risk, almost double that of normal. Alcohol consumed in excess can cause heart disorders, high blood pressure and inhibit coagulation. When blood coagulation is hampered, it increases the risk of hemorrhage.

Illegal and recreational drugs, like cocaine, have been found to increase the risk of stroke. Regular usage of birth control pills and hormonal pills can also increase the chances of stroke. 

People with heart disease and disorders are at a greater risk. Cardiovascular diseases like heart rhythm abnormalities, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and even heart infection puts the patient at a high risk. There is a 5% increased risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Such patients can be treated with anticoagulants to reduce their risk.

Diabetic people are two and half times more susceptible to ischemic stroke than others. When there is a block in an artery then blood is by passed through another artery to supply the nutrients to the tissues. But in case of diabetic people, their body will not be able to by pass the blood efficiently (as they have clotting abnormalities and risk of high blood pressure) which increases their chance of stroke. Their recovery after stroke is also very poor. Studies have also shown that diabetic females are more vulnerable to strokes than diabetic males.

High levels of cholesterol are associated with ischemic strokes. Excess cholesterol and blood lipids get deposited in the arteries, which in turn leads to narrowing of the artery and is called arteriosclerosis. This deposition can slowly lead to complete blockage of artery, leading to stroke. A high fat diet is a major risk factor and people with high cholesterol (total cholesterol over 200mg/dL) are more susceptible to ischemic stroke.

Normal blood pressure is 120 by 80 mm Hg, but it differs with age and sex. Studies have revealed that people with hypertension (if blood pressure is constantly higher than normal blood pressure) are about two and half times more susceptible to stroke than others. A number of studies have revealed that high blood pressure is the number one cause for stroke. Treating high blood pressure and bringing it under control can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Studies have shown that even a decrease of a few mm in blood pressure can reduce the chances of stroke by 35 to 40%.