Risk for Stroke
Heart attacks and acute coronary syndrome pose a high risk for stroke. According to a major 2002 study, the risk for stroke after heart attack is 2.5% in the first 6 months and 5% per year thereafter. In the study, patients with a higher risk (about 4%) for stroke within 6 months of a heart attack were older (over age 75), African American, had a history of stroke, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes, or peripheral artery disease. Most people who fall into these categories have more than one of these risk factors.
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