What are the risk factors for stroke?

The risk factors for stroke include both modifiable and non-modifiable elements that significantly impact an individual's likelihood of experiencing a cerebrovascular event. The correct answer highlights key modifiable cardiovascular risks, such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, smoking, and hyperlipidemia.

Hypertension is a leading cause of stroke because high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and increase the likelihood of clot formation or rupture. Atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat, increases the risk of blood clots that can travel to the brain. Smoking contributes to vascular damage and promotes clotting, while hyperlipidemia, characterized by high levels of cholesterol, can lead to the buildup of plaques in arteries, reducing blood flow.

While the other choices list important factors associated with stroke risk, they do not encompass the most critical and widely recognized primary risk factors as thoroughly as the correct option does. The elements mentioned in the other options, such as obesity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, high sodium intake, and low physical activity, are indeed risks that can increase the incidence of stroke but are often associated with the primary risk factors already mentioned, such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Overall, option A encompasses the most direct and significant factors related to stroke risk, making