High blood pressure – the leading cause of stroke

Heart disease – especially atrial fibrillation

Diabetes

Smoking

Previous stroke, mini-stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)

High cholesterol

Blockage of blood vessels in the neck

Alcohol/drug abuse

Use of oral contraceptives

Age

Family history of stroke

Race – African-Americans and Hispanics have a higher incidence of stroke

Blood disorders and blood vessel malformations

Anticoagulant therapy

Genetic disorders