Which of the following is NOT listed as a stroke risk factor?

• A. Chronic hypertension
• B. Aneurysm
• C. Diabetes
• D. Alcohol consumption

Answer: (D)

Stroke risk factors are conditions that raise the chance of a cerebrovascular event by promoting vessel damage, thrombosis, or rupture. Chronic hypertension is a major factor because long-standing high pressure damages small vessels and accelerates atherosclerosis, increasing both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risk. An aneurysm represents a structural weakness in a vessel wall that can rupture, leading to a hemorrhagic stroke such as subarachnoid hemorrhage. Diabetes contributes to accelerated atherosclerosis and overall vascular disease, raising the risk of ischemic stroke. Alcohol consumption is not typically listed as a primary stroke risk factor in standard risk-factor checklists, even though heavy drinking can indirectly raise risk by contributing to high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation. So alcohol consumption is the factor not commonly listed as a direct stroke risk factor.