If you have ever had a stroke (or stroke warning signs), it is very important that you work with your doctor to determine the most likely cause of the problem and the best course of treatment for you.

Certain medical conditions greatly increase your likelihood of having a stroke or another stroke. Specific medical treatment can control some risk factors. They include:

• Previous stroke or "mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack, TIA)
• High blood pressure
  
• Diabetes
  
• Heart disease
  
• High Cholesterol
  
• Smoking
  
• Obesity
  
• Physical inactivity
  
• Excessive alcohol intake
  
• Illegal drug use
  
• Increasing age
  
• Heredity and ethnicity