Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. It is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of serious long-term disability.

While some risk factors such as age, family history, and gender cannot be changed, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to decrease your chances of having a stroke.

Take our 1-minute test to assess your risk of having a stroke:.

Question 1

What is your age?.

18-40 years old
40-60 years old
60+ years old

Question 2

Do you smoke or use tobacco products?.

Question 3

Do you have high blood pressure?.

Question 4

Do you have diabetes?.

Question 5

Do you exercise regularly?.

Yes, at least 30 minutes a day
No, less than 30 minutes a day

Question 6

What is your diet like?.

Healthy, includes fruits and vegetables
Unhealthy, high in processed foods and saturated fats

Question 7

Have you had a previous stroke or heart attack?.

Question 8

Do you have high cholesterol?.

Question 9

Do you consume alcohol regularly?.

No, or only in moderation
Yes, heavily and regularly

Question 10

Do you have a family history of stroke or heart disease?.

Now, add up your points:.

var age = parseInt(document.querySelector(‘input[name=”age”]:checked’).value); var smoke = parseInt(document.querySelector(‘input[name=”smoke”]:checked’).value); var bp = parseInt(document.querySelector(‘input[name=”bp”]:checked’).value); var diabetes = parseInt(document.querySelector(‘input[name=”diabetes”]:checked’).value); var exercise = parseInt(document.querySelector(‘input[name=”exercise”]:checked’).value); var diet = parseInt(document.querySelector(‘input[name=”diet”]:checked’).value); var previous = parseInt(document.querySelector(‘input[name=”previous”]:checked’).value); var cholesterol = parseInt(document.querySelector(‘input[name=”cholesterol”]:checked’).value); var alcohol = parseInt(document.querySelector(‘input[name=”alcohol”]:checked’).value); var family = parseInt(document.querySelector(‘input[name=”family”]:checked’).value); var total = age + smoke + bp + diabetes + exercise + diet + previous + cholesterol + alcohol + family; document.write(”

Your total score is: ” + total + “.

“); if (total <= 3) { document.write("

Your stroke risk is low.

“); } else if (total > 3 && total <= 6) { document.write("

Your stroke risk is moderate.

“); } else { document.write(”

Your stroke risk is high.

“); }

If your score is 3 or less, your stroke risk is low. If your score is between 4 and 6, your stroke risk is moderate. If your score is 7 or higher, your stroke risk is high.

Remember, this test is not a diagnosis. Always consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your individual risk factors and what steps you can take to decrease your risk of having a stroke.

Conclusion

Stroke is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. By taking our 1-minute test and assessing your risk factors, you can take steps to decrease your chances of having a stroke.

While some risk factors such as age, family history, and gender cannot be changed, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to decrease your chances of having a stroke:.

Quit smoking or using tobacco products
Control your blood pressure
Manage your diabetes
Exercise regularly
Eat a healthy diet
Lose weight if you are overweight
Limit your alcohol consumption
Control your cholesterol

Ultimately, the best way to decrease your risk of having a stroke is to consult with a healthcare provider and discuss steps you can take to improve your overall health.