What is a transient ischemic attack?
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to the brain is briefly blocked. It causes stroke-like symptoms such as numbness, weakness, vision changes or trouble speaking. These symptoms come on suddenly but usually go away within minutes or hours without causing lasting damage.
Often called a “mini stroke,” a TIA doesn’t cause permanent damage, but it’s a warning sign that a more serious stroke could happen in the near future. If you or someone else experiences symptoms, don’t ignore them—get medical help right away, even if the symptoms go away on their own. Acting quickly can help prevent a full stroke with lasting health consequences.
Mini stroke symptoms
A TIA causes stroke-like symptoms that go away within minutes or up to 24 hours. Symptoms appear suddenly and may include:
- Feeling confused or having trouble understanding others
- Dizziness, trouble walking or loss of balance
- Numbness, tingling or weakness, often on one side of the body
- Blurry vision, double vision, loss of vision, hearing problems or other sensory changes
- Slurred or mixed-up speech
- Facial drooping
When to see a doctor
There is no immediate way to tell if symptoms are caused by a TIA or a stroke, so it is critical to seek emergency medical care right away. Call an ambulance instead of driving to the hospital.
Anyone experiencing stroke symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible, ideally within an hour. A quick assessment can help determine the cause of the TIA or stroke and the best course of treatment.
What causes TIA?
Your brain needs a supply of blood to keep cells alive and functioning. Arteries in your neck carry blood to your brain, but sometimes, these arteries can become blocked by plaque or a blood clot. The blockage interrupts blood flow to the brain, leading to mini stroke symptoms. This can happen in a few ways:
- Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup narrows arteries, and the plaque or a blood clot on the plaque may block blood flow.
- Thrombosis: A clot forms in the brain’s arteries, blocking blood flow.
- Embolism: A clot or debris from elsewhere in the body travels to the brain and causes a blockage, like in atrial fibrillation (Afib).
- Injured blood vessels: Damaged arteries can narrow or become blocked, leading to a TIA.
TIA risk factors
Some factors increase your risk of having a TIA. While some of these you can’t change, others can be managed with lifestyle changes and medical care.
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Risk factors you can control
By making certain lifestyle changes and managing health conditions, you can lower your stroke risk.
- High blood pressure: Keeping your blood pressure in check can lower your risk of a TIA or mini stroke. Monitor your blood pressure regularly. Try eating less salty food and getting 30 minutes of exercise most days to help keep your blood pressure healthy and support heart health.
- High cholesterol: Cut back on foods high in cholesterol and fat, especially saturated and trans fats, to reduce plaque buildup in your arteries. Medication may also be needed.
- Heart disease: Heart problems, like irregular heart rhythms or heart failure, increase mini stroke risk.
- Vascular disease: Conditions like carotid artery disease and peripheral artery disease (PAD) can limit blood flow to your brain, raising the risk of a TIA and stroke.
- Diabetes: Proper management of diabetes can help protect your arteries and reduce stroke risk.
- Overweight and obesity: Being overweight can increase your risk of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Eating a balanced diet and staying active can help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Excessive alcohol use: Drink in moderation. The recommended limit for alcohol intake is no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.
- Smoking: Quitting smoking lowers your risk of blood clots, high blood pressure and artery damage.
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Risk factors you can’t change
- Age: After age 55, your risk of stroke doubles every 10 years.
- Sex: Men are at a slightly higher risk, but women's risk increases as they age.
- Previous TIA: If you've had a TIA before, you’re more likely to have a stroke.
- Family history: If someone in your family has had a TIA or stroke, your risk is higher.
- Sickle cell disease: This condition increases stroke risk, but with treatment, the risk can be lowered.
Complications
Mini stroke symptoms pass within a few minutes to 24 hours without lasting damage. The most serious complication of a TIA is that it increases your risk of a stroke. Almost 20% of people who have a suspected TIA will have a stroke within 90 days.
How are transient ischemic attacks diagnosed?
A transient ischemic attack can sometimes be diagnosed through your symptoms and medical history, but tests are usually needed for confirmation. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you think you may be having a mini stroke.
Medical history and exam
TIAs often pass quickly, so you might not have any symptoms by the time you see a doctor. After your initial assessment, your doctor will refer you to a specialist for more tests to help figure out what caused the mini stroke, ideally within 24 hours of when your symptoms started. You'll likely see a neurologist or a stroke expert.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how long they lasted and your health history to help rule out other possible causes. Even if you feel fine, you may still need a quick neurological exam, which includes simple tasks to check your strength, coordination and sensation. If you're unable to answer some questions, a family member or someone close to you can help by sharing this information.
Imaging tests
To diagnose a TIA, doctors may use imaging tests to look at your brain, blood vessels and possibly your heart. These tests can help rule out stroke as a cause of your symptoms. They can also help your doctor determine the location of any blockage or bleeding or where a blood clot may have come from.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: This can show a stroke or a brain bleed and is usually the first brain scan done in the emergency department for stroke symptoms. A TIA will not show up on a CT scan.
- Echocardiogram: This imaging scan can show conditions in your heart that might have led to a blood clot.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test checks for an irregular heart rhythm.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: Similar to a CT scan, an MRI shows changes in the brain that can indicate a stroke.
- CT or MR Angiogram: This imaging test can show a blocked or narrowed blood vessel.
- Carotid duplex ultrasound: This can reveal narrowing in your neck arteries.
Transient ischemic attack treatments
A TIA is a temporary event, but it's a warning that a stroke could happen. By treating the conditions that caused the TIA, you can reduce the risk of having a stroke.
Healthcare providers usually recommend treating these conditions aggressively because strokes are much more serious. Strokes can be harder to treat and can cause lasting damage or even be life-threatening, even with medical intervention. After a stroke has occurred, there are often lasting health impacts.
Common treatments to help prevent a stroke after a TIA include medications, procedures that use a catheter and sometimes surgery.
Lifestyle changes
Knowing your risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle are the best ways to reduce your chances of having a transient ischemic attack. Your doctor can advise you about which lifestyle changes will be most helpful in your case.
- Stop smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke. If you smoke or vape, it's time to stop. Avoid secondhand smoke, too.
- Eat a healthy diet. Cutting back on saturated and trans fats can help prevent plaque buildup in your arteries. Focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables full of nutrients like potassium and antioxidants that support your heart and brain. If you have high blood pressure, avoid salty foods and don't add extra salt to your meals to help keep your blood pressure in check.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity is one of the best ways to lower blood pressure and keep your heart healthy.
- Drink alcohol in moderation. If you drink, stick to no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can increase your risk of high blood pressure and other health issues. Losing weight through diet and exercise can improve your health.
- Control your diabetes. Managing diabetes and high blood pressure with a healthy diet, exercise and medication (if needed) can help reduce your risk.
- See your primary care provider. A regular visit with your doctor is a great way to stay healthy.
Medication
Several medications may help lower the risk of stroke after a TIA. Your healthcare professional will recommend a medication based on the cause, location, type of TIA and the extent of the blockage. Once you are prescribed medications to prevent stroke, it is important to follow the regimen prescribed by your doctor. Some common options include:
- Aspirin: This is frequently recommended to help prevent stroke by reducing the risk of blood clots. Alternatives may include other blood-thinning medications.
- Blood pressure medications: These help lower the pressure on your blood vessels. Examples include calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics and others.
- Statins: These cholesterol-lowering medications help reduce the "bad" cholesterol (LDL) in your blood, which can build up in blood vessels and cause narrowing or atherosclerosis.
- Blood thinners: These medications make it harder for blood to clot, reducing the risk of a clot forming in the brain’s blood vessels. They may be recommended if you have conditions like atrial fibrillation or blood clots in the heart.
Surgery and other procedures
Surgery might be considered for people who have had a TIA. These surgical options can help improve blood flow to the brain and lower the risk of future TIAs or strokes.
Treatment options may include:
- Angioplasty: A balloon at the tip of a catheter is inflated to widen narrowed arteries.
- Carotid endarterectomy: When other procedures aren’t possible, surgery may be used to widen blood vessels. One example is carotid endarterectomy, which removes plaque to make more room for blood to flow to the brain.
- Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR): This is a minimally invasive procedure to improve blood flow in the neck.
Find a location near you
If you or someone you know is experiencing TIA symptoms, don’t wait—seek medical help immediately. Our North and Central Texas hospitals are equipped with dedicated stroke care teams, ready to provide rapid assessment and treatment to help prevent a more serious stroke. Find the nearest location for the care you need and reduce your risk of a full stroke.
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Garland (Satellite)
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 250, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Neurology - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 3700, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Neurology - Lake Pointe
7600 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 150, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 300, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Neurology - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 550, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Neurology Hospitalist Group - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Associates
9101 N Central Expy Ste 230, Dallas, TX, 75231
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Headache Medicine Specialists of North Texas - Dallas
9101 N Central Expy Ste 400, Dallas, TX, 75231
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
The Headache Center at Baylor University Medical Center
9101 N Central Expy Ste 400, Dallas, TX, 75231
Baylor Scott & White Neuroscience Center
9101 N Central Expy Ste 400, Dallas, TX, 75231
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor Scott & White Neurology - Dallas
3434 Swiss Ave Ste 400, Dallas, TX, 75204
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving
1901 N MacArthur Blvd , Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Neurology - Irving
2021 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 210, Irving, TX, 75061
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie
2400 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Neurosciences Clinic - Waco
50 Hillcrest Medical Blvd Ste 201-A, Waco, TX, 76712
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Specialty Clinic - Waco Hillcrest
120 Hillcrest Medical Blvd Bldg II, Ste 101, Waco, TX, 76712
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's at Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station University Drive
1700 University Dr E East Entrance 15, First Floor, Desk P, College Station, TX, 77840
- Monday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station
700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center - Temple
1901 SW H K Dodgen Loop , Temple, TX, 76502
Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Specialty Clinic - Temple
1901 SW H K Dodgen Loop , Temple, TX, 76502
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham
700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Killeen Hemingway
2405 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Taylor
305 Mallard Ln , Taylor, TX, 76574
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 300 University
300A University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Specialties at Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 425 University
425 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock
300 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center (Building 1)
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Bldg 1, Ste 200, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center Building 2
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Building 2, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin River Place
10815 Ranch Rd 2222 , Austin, TX, 78730
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway
100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Lakeway
200 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Buda Medical Center
5330 Overpass Rd Ste 100, Buda, TX, 78610
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Marble Falls
800 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Marble Falls
810 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Horseshoe Bay
201 Bay West Blvd , Horseshoe Bay, TX, 78657
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Frequently asked questions
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Is a TIA a stroke?
A TIA (transient ischemic attack) is not a full stroke, but it can feel similar. It happens when the blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, causing stroke-like symptoms that go away on their own. Unlike a stroke, TIA doesn't cause lasting brain damage. However, it's a warning sign that you are at higher risk for a full stroke in the future.
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What are the main signs of stroke or TIA?
TIA or stroke signs include sudden, unexplained:
- Confusion or having trouble understanding language
- Difficulty seeing
- Dizziness or trouble walking
- Numbness, tingling or weakness, especially on one side of your body
- Facial droop
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How long does a TIA attack last?
A TIA (or “mini stroke”) usually lasts only a few minutes but can last up to 24 hours. Symptoms like weakness, trouble speaking or vision changes often go away in an hour. If you experience any stroke-like symptoms, even for a short time, get emergency help right away.
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How do you know if you had a TIA?
It is hard to be sure whether you’ve had a TIA because you may not feel any symptoms or because symptoms may resemble those of other strokes. A medical provider will need to examine you and perform imaging tests to rule out stroke and make an accurate diagnosis.
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Do mini strokes show up on MRI?
Yes, mini strokes (transient ischemic attacks) can sometimes be seen on an MRI, showing areas of reduced blood flow or minor brain changes. However, some don't leave a trace. If you have sudden weakness, numbness or trouble speaking, get medical help right away—an MRI can help diagnose and guide treatment.
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Can you have a mini stroke and not know it?
Yes, you can have a mini stroke (transient ischemic attack) without realizing it. Symptoms can be mild, brief, or even go unnoticed. While TIAs don't cause permanent damage, they are a warning sign of a future stroke. If you think you've had one, see a doctor to protect your health.
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Can stress cause a mini stroke?
Yes, stress can increase your risk of a mini stroke (transient ischemic attack) by affecting your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood flow. While stress alone isn't the only cause, other factors like age, family history, smoking and certain health conditions can also raise your risk.