Smoking, poor diet and stress among top 10 stroke risk factors, finds study

SMOKING, poor diet, an expanded waistline and stress are included in a check-list of 10 risk factors most closely associated with stroke, experts have revealed.

They were identified by researchers looking at the lifestyle and biological factors that contribute to stroke in 22 countries.

The Canadian-led scientists analysed data from 3,000 patients who suffered their first stroke between March 2007 and April 2010. Their personal details were compared with those of a “control” population of 3,000 healthy individuals.