Stroke is the leading cause of long-term adult disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the US, with approximately 795,000 stroke events annually. The aging population and reduced case fatality after stroke are expected to increase stroke prevalence by 3.4 million between 2012 and 2030. While stroke mortality has decreased in the US over the past two decades, recent trends suggest a possible increase. Stroke morbidity remains high, with annual healthcare costs estimated at $34 billion. Stroke risk factors include both modifiable (e.g., diet, comorbid conditions) and non-modifiable (e.g., age, race) factors. Stroke risk is influenced by age, sex, race, and genetics. Hypertension is a major risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke, while hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for cardioembolic stroke. The INTERSTROKE study found that 10 modifiable risk factors explain 90% of stroke risk. These include hypertension, smoking, waist-to-hip ratio, diet, physical activity, diabetes, alcohol consumption, stress, and depression. Stroke risk is also influenced by short-term triggers such as infections and sepsis. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, sex, race, and genetics. Stroke risk varies by age, sex, and race, with African Americans at higher risk. Genetic factors, such as family history, also contribute to stroke risk. Modifiable risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, dyslipidemia, sedentary behavior, diet, obesity, and smoking. Lifestyle changes and medical treatments can reduce stroke risk. Genetic studies have identified several genes associated with stroke risk, including ABO, PITX2, and ZFHX3. Stroke risk is also influenced by environmental factors such as air pollution. Genetic disorders such as CADASIL, sickle cell anemia, Fabry disease, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can cause stroke. Stroke prevention strategies include managing modifiable risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle changes. Genetic testing may help identify individuals at higher risk for stroke.Stroke is the leading cause of long-term adult disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the US, with approximately 795,000 stroke events annually. The aging population and reduced case fatality after stroke are expected to increase stroke prevalence by 3.4 million between 2012 and 2030. While stroke mortality has decreased in the US over the past two decades, recent trends suggest a possible increase. Stroke morbidity remains high, with annual healthcare costs estimated at $34 billion. Stroke risk factors include both modifiable (e.g., diet, comorbid conditions) and non-modifiable (e.g., age, race) factors. Stroke risk is influenced by age, sex, race, and genetics. Hypertension is a major risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke, while hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for cardioembolic stroke. The INTERSTROKE study found that 10 modifiable risk factors explain 90% of stroke risk. These include hypertension, smoking, waist-to-hip ratio, diet, physical activity, diabetes, alcohol consumption, stress, and depression. Stroke risk is also influenced by short-term triggers such as infections and sepsis. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, sex, race, and genetics. Stroke risk varies by age, sex, and race, with African Americans at higher risk. Genetic factors, such as family history, also contribute to stroke risk. Modifiable risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, dyslipidemia, sedentary behavior, diet, obesity, and smoking. Lifestyle changes and medical treatments can reduce stroke risk. Genetic studies have identified several genes associated with stroke risk, including ABO, PITX2, and ZFHX3. Stroke risk is also influenced by environmental factors such as air pollution. Genetic disorders such as CADASIL, sickle cell anemia, Fabry disease, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can cause stroke. Stroke prevention strategies include managing modifiable risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle changes. Genetic testing may help identify individuals at higher risk for stroke.