Stroke risk factors.

Despite advances in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction, the most effective method of reducing stroke morbidity and mortality is the identification and modification of stroke risk factors. Modifiable stroke risk factors include hypertension, atrial fibrillation, hypercholesterolemia, cigarette smoking, hyperhomocystinemia, and carotid stenosis. Improved identification of individuals at increased stroke risk due to these factors can reduce individual risk and the cost to society of the consequences of stroke.