Some of these factors can be modified, while others cannot.

High Blood Pressure Is Especially Important

One of the most important modifiable risk factors for stroke is high blood pressure.

The problem is that hypertension often causes no obvious symptoms.

Someone can feel perfectly healthy while their blood pressure remains elevated for years.

Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

This is why regularly checking your blood pressure can be far more useful than trying to identify one particular “dangerous” drink.

If your blood pressure is consistently high, speak with a healthcare professional about lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, medication.

What About Drinking Water Before Bed?

The image includes a glass of ice water, which may lead some readers to wonder whether nighttime hydration has anything to do with stroke.

For most people, ordinary water is not a stroke-causing beverage.

Staying adequately hydrated is generally important for normal health.

However, people with certain heart, kidney, or liver conditions may have individualized fluid restrictions. Those individuals should follow the guidance of their healthcare team.

There is also no good reason to believe that simply drinking cold water before bed causes a stroke in otherwise healthy people.

The Warning Signs of a Stroke

Regardless of what someone has been drinking, recognizing stroke symptoms quickly can save a life.

Remember FAST: