The risk factors of stroke are majorly lifestyle-related which can be reduced with the right diet and after bringing about certain changes in lifestyle. Among others the lifestyle factors that increase your risk of stroke include high blood pressure smoking diabetes high blood cholesterol levels obesity heavy alcohol consumption intake of excess salt and high-fat diet and lack of exercise. Also in certain cases genetic or a family history of stroke can also increase the risk of the disease says Sreemathy Venkatraman Clinical Nutritionist and Dietician Brains Hospital Bangalore. How to prevent a stroke Control high blood pressure by exercising