Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)-What Increases Your Risk The risk factors (things that increase risk) for transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke include those you can treat or change and those you can't change.

Risk factors you can treat or change include:

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• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Atrial fibrillation.
• Diabetes.
• Smoking.
• High cholesterol.
• Heavy use of alcohol.
• Being overweight.
• Physical inactivity.

Risk factors you cannot change include:

• Age. The risk of TIA and stroke increases with age.
• Race. African Americans, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives have a higher risk than those of other races.
• Gender. Women have a higher risk of having a stroke in their lifetime compared to men.
• Family history. The risk for TIA and stroke is greater if a parent, brother, or sister has had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
• History of stroke or TIA.

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