Risk factors for ischemic stroke

According to a study coordinated by World Health Organization stroke is defined as a condition associated with “rapidly developed clinical signs of focal or global disturbance of cerebral function, lasting more than 24 h or leading to death, with no apparent cause other than of vascular origin.” As the second most common cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide, stroke has devastating burdens on health and wellbeing of populations and individuals. Mastering a good knowledge about epidemiology, pathophysiology and risk factors of stroke is important for all health professionals and students as this knowledge can be applied to the prevention of stroke, especially in high-risk populations. In this narrative literature review we have used current evidence to explore and reflect on main risk factors of the primary ischemic stroke (compared with secondary or recurrent stroke, which is out of the scope of this chapter) to help raise this awareness. We have also used information from the relevant guidelines to provide evidence for improving some modifiable risk factors. This book chapter may serve as a useful source of information about risk factors of ischemic stroke.