There are many factors that go into whether or not you will have a stroke. The following list of risk factors, increased risk factors, and additional risk factors comes directly from the CDC (the Center for Disease Control).​

• Race/ethnicity. African Americans have almost two times the risk of white people of having a first stroke. Hispanic Americans and American Indian/Alaska Natives are at greater risk than whites are for having a stroke but are at less risk than African Americans. African Americans and Hispanics are more likely than whites to die after having a stroke.
• Age. Stroke risk increases with age. Three-quarters of strokes occur in people ages 65 and older.
• Geography. The highest U.S. death rates from stroke occur in the southeastern United States.
• Gender. Men are more likely than women to have a stroke.

Certain lifestyle factors and conditions also increase the risk for stroke. The most important of these include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart disease (such as atrial fibrillation)
• Previous stroke or transient ischemic attack
• Cigarette smoking

Additional risk factors include:

• Physical inactivity
• Overweight or obesity
• High cholesterol
• Sickle cell disease
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Family history of stroke
• Drug abuse
• Genetic conditions, such as blood-clotting or vascular disorders (for example, Factor V Leiden or CADASIL)
• Certain medications (such as hormonal birth control pills)
• Being pregnant
• Menopause

Lesser risk factors include:

• Head and neck injuries
• Recent viral or bacterial infections