| RISK FACTOR |
ELEVATED STROKE RISK |
INCIDENCE IN THE POPULATION |
| Education |
People with higher education tend to show healthier behaviours (i.e., lower levels of tobacco use, physical activity).
Education may be associated with better coping mechanisms, ways to handle stress and possibly extended support networks.
Lower level of education is associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, lower self-esteem and higher levels of anger, increasing risk for stroke.
Educated patients are more likely to comply with fairly complex treatment regimens and would be expected to show greater benefits and better health. |
Diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are more common in people with lower levels of education, although the prevalence of these diseases varies also by income, race and gender. Prevalence of cardiovascular disease(CVD) risk factors are inversely related to socioeconomic status. |
| Isolation |
Women 60-69 years old with the least social contacts have a death rate that is three times higher than for women with the most social contacts. The death rate associated with isolation for men is even higher.
Social isolation and lack of quality social support are independent risk factors for CHD onset and prognosis: the risks are increased 2-3-fold and 3-5-fold. |
|
| Poverty |
Living conditions, education and occupational levels are key predictors of heart disease.
A low income can mean lower quality food, housing, and clothing. It can also be a barrier to positive resources like education, books, newspapers, cultural events, fitness and recreation opportunities, and other health-stimulating activities.
Approximately 50% of the total variation in various heart disease morbidity is accounted for by socioeconomic variables.
For example; there is evidence that house ownership is a discriminating measure of SES in predicting risk of coronary heart disease. |
|
| Lack of Control |
Poverty can profoundly affect emotional and mental health and create uncertainty, insecurity, and feelings of lack of control over one's life. |
|
| Age |
Stroke risk approximately doubles with every decade after 55. |
Sources predict that with the aging population, strokes may increase up to 30% over the next 15 years. |
