Which of the following are modifiable risk factors for ischemic stroke?

• A. Hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, obesity, substance abuse, and sedentary lifestyle
• B. Age and family history
• C. Male sex
• D. Non-modifiable risk factors only

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that many ischemic stroke risks can be reduced by changing lifestyle or receiving appropriate medical therapy. Hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, obesity, substance abuse, and a sedentary lifestyle are all factors that people can modify—through blood pressure control, lipid-lowering treatment and diet, smoking cessation, weight management, avoiding harmful substances, and increasing physical activity. By addressing these areas, the vascular risk that leads to plaque buildup and clot formation can be lowered. In contrast, age, family history, and sex are non-modifiable factors that cannot be changed, so they don’t offer the same opportunity for risk reduction. Therefore, this set of modifiable factors best represents what patients can actively influence to reduce ischemic stroke risk.