Although heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., stroke has moved up to number 4, replacing COVID-19, according to the 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics from the American Heart Association. Perhaps you know someone who recently had a stroke, or you've been told you are at increased risk for a stroke. It's scary. However, there are active steps you can take, and knowledge is power. If you're interested in trying to decrease your stroke risk, there are numbers you should keep an eye on. It's actually a value that isn't even traditionally ordered on your annual lab work.
But first, let's talk about the misconceptions about stroke prevention: One is that it’s only something you need to worry about later in life. Actually, cardiologists stress that the groundwork for stroke risk is often laid decades earlier. Factors like chronic inflammation, unmanaged blood pressure, insulin resistance and poor sleep increase risk over time, even if you feel generally healthy. This is why experts emphasize tracking trends in your health markers, not just whether a single lab value falls inside a “normal” range.
Another issue is that many people focus on cholesterol alone, assuming that if their LDL is under control, their stroke risk is handled. While cholesterol absolutely matters, it’s only one piece of a much larger puzzle that includes how your blood vessels function, how sticky your blood is and how well your body handles stress and sugar. Some of the most important stroke-related changes happen at the level of the blood vessels themselves, long before symptoms appear.
This is also why cardiologists increasingly encourage patients to be proactive during annual checkups and ask for a more complete picture of cardiovascular health. Understanding the full scope of your risk can help guide lifestyle changes, medication decisions and follow-up testing that may significantly reduce your chances of having a stroke down the line.
Ahead, we spoke with cardiologists about the health number that matters more than you might think for stroke risk. Spoiler alert: it's not cholesterol level (although that's important, too).
?SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week?
KoldoyChris/Getty Images
The health number that matters more than cholesterol for stroke risk is Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), which is a blood marker that tells you how many atherogenic (bad) cholesterol particles you have in your bloodstream.
"ApoB is a better marker than cholesterol for assessing stroke risk because it measures all of the atherogenic (or sticky) particles that are associated with increased stroke risk," saysDr. Heather Swales, MD, cardiologist at Hartford HealthCare. "Sometimes a patient may have a low LDL (bad cholesterol) number, but a lot of other particles that are not usually measured in a cholesterol panel (such as VLDL and remnants) and these particles may be significant in number, making the risk for stroke high, despite a low LDL number."
Additionally,Dr. David Hsi, MD, chief of cardiology and co-director of the Heart and Vascular Institute at Stamford Health, said that large patient cohorts from European countries have revealed that apoB is a more powerful predictors for ischemic strokes than non-HDL and LDL cholesterol too.
What Is a Good ApoB Score?
According to Harvard Health, in healthy people, ApoB values less than 90 mg/dL are typically considered acceptable; however, those between 90 and 129 mg/dL are considered borderline high to moderately elevated. ApoB values greater than 130 mg/dL are linked to a much higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Swales adds that your medical history and other risk factors are generally used to help to determine what an optimal ApoB level is (it is different for different people). "In general, your ApoB level should be similar to your goal LDL level," she explains.
Related: This Afternoon Habit Could Be Silently Raising Your Risk of Stroke
According to Dr. Jeremy London, MD, board-certified cardiovascular surgeon, if you are looking to reduce your ApoB levels, you'll want to start by looking at your diet and exercise regimen. "Increase your dietary fiber and limit ultra-processed carbs," he tells Parade. "Additionally, you can practice exercise (resistance and aerobic training), weight and blood sugar control."
If this doesn't adequately control your levels, then a discussion with your physician regarding medications is appropriate, Dr. London adds.
Related: 'I'm a Cardiologist—Here's How to Prevent 80% of Strokes'
3 Other Stroke Risk Factors To Keep an Eye On
While ApoB is an important health number to keep an eye on, there are also some other lifestyle factors you should keep in mind to help decrease your stroke risk.
If your blood pressure is consistently high, that's something to get in check, whether that's by restricting salt intake, managing your weight, reducing stress or taking blood pressure medication prescribed to you by a doctor. Untreated high blood pressure damages arteries throughout the body, and weakened arteries in the brain can create a much higher risk for stroke, according to the American Heart Association. You'll want to aim for readings less than 120/80, however, it's important to talk to your doctor to see what is best for you whether that's lifestyle modifications or medication management.
Related: This Blood Type May Put You at the Greatest Risk for Stroke
2. Sleep disorders
Untreated sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, can increase your likelihood of having a stroke. If you find that you have trouble staying asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, snoring loudly, gasping for air, choking in your sleep or feeling sleepy all the time, then you'll want to talk with your doctor about getting a sleep study.
3. Underlying conditions
According to Dr. Swales, there are certain cardiovascular conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, and hematologic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, that can increase your risk for stroke. If you have a history of either of these types of disorders, then you'll want to speak with your doctor about available treatment options to improve your health and quality of life.
Up Next:
Sources:
Dr. Heather Swales, MD, cardiologist at Hartford HealthCare.Dr. David Hsi, MD, chief of cardiology and co-director of the Heart and Vascular Institute at Stamford HealthDr. Jeremy London, MD, board-certified cardiovascular surgeon,Is an apoB test a better way to check your cholesterol?Harvard Health. How High Blood Pressure Can Lead to Stroke. American Heart Association.Hence then, the article about why experts say this health number matters more than cholesterol for stroke risk was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Why Experts Say This Health Number Matters More Than Cholesterol for Stroke Risk )
Also on site :
- Ferry with 342 aboard sinks in the Philippines (VIDEO)
- Tayvis Fans Are 'Sobbing' Over 'Precious' Photo of Donna Kelce and Andrea Swift: 'The In-Laws Are Hanging Out'
- ‘When Calls the Heart’ Season 13 Episode 4 Recap: Towns Turn on Each Other as the Wildfire Mystery Deepens