The two main factors

• Hypertension. This is the most important risk factor. High blood pressure weakens the lining of blood vessels, including those in the brain;
• Hypercholesterolemia. A high level of LDL cholesterol (abbreviation of the English term low density lipoproteins, known as “bad cholesterol”) or triglycerides contributes to atherosclerosis and hardening of the arteries.

Other factors

• Smoking. It contributes to atherosclerosis. In addition, nicotine acts as a heart stimulant and increases blood pressure. As for the carbon monoxide present in cigarette smoke, it reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, because it binds to red blood cells instead of oxygen;
• Obesity;
• A poor diet;
• Physical inactivity;
• Chronic stress;
• Excessive alcohol or hard drugs, such as cocaine;
• Taking oral contraceptives, especially in the case of women who are at risk and who are over 35 years old;
• Hormone replacement therapy given at the time of menopause (it slightly increases the risk).

Remark. These factors also increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease. See our Cardiac Disorders fact sheet.