Are strokes hereditary?
There are several subtypes and rare causes of stroke that have a genetic component and we test for that. It can be common to have many people in your family with stroke because many of the medical conditions that increase stroke risk can run in families, too. These conditions are high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
If you know your family has risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, work with your doctor to treat these conditions. Changes in diet, exercise, and healthy choices can also improve your chances of doing well, despite a family history of these diseases.
Bryan R. Ludwig, MD
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