Age as a risk factor for stroke
Aging is the main risk factor for stroke that we cannot change (non-modifiable risk factor) as it can cause changes in the body and in our brain1:
- As you age, blood vessels become more prone to damage and narrowing (atherosclerosis). This raises risk for blood clots that can obstruct blood flow to the brain.
- Living with long-term high blood pressure damages artery walls, making them more prone to rupture or clogging.
- Older people have a higher risk of heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation (AF). This can lead to blood clots that can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
- The risk for diabetes goes up with age. Diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels and raise your risk for stroke.
Aging and stroke: Key points
Around 75% of strokes occur in people over 65. The risk of having a stroke doubles every 10 years from the age of 551.
Though we cannot change our age, many age-related changes are manageable. Talk to your family doctor about monitoring blood pressure and diabetes (or diabetes and AF risk).
Living a healthy lifestyle can go a long way towards lowering stroke risk as we age. Learn more about how physical activity, diet, sleep and tobacco use and stroke risk, and what we can do about it.
References
- M Yousufuddin, N Young. Aging and ischemic stroke. Aging. 2019. 1;11(9):2542-2544. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.101931