According to a new research, ten common risk factors trigger more than 90 per cent of strokes. The Canadian-led study appears in The Lancet.

Led by Salim Yusuf of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, the researchers found that high blood pressure was the greatest risk factor while smoking, obesity (particularly around the belly), inactivity and stress also pose significant dangers.

A large percentage of people who suffered ischemic stroke also had high levels of lipids (or fat) in their blood, the study had noted.

It was reported that the study analysed both ischemic stroke, wherein a clot blocks blood flow to the brain, and hemorrhagic stroke, in which a blood vessel ruptures.

Dubbed as Interstroke, the project was carried out between March 2007 and April 2010.

It involved over 6,000 people in 22 countries, half of whom suffered a stroke.

The Globe and Mail quoted Antoine Hakim, CEO and scientific director of the Canadian Stroke Network, as saying, "Stroke prevention programs targeting these common risk factors will have a significant impact in reducing the incidence of disease."

It has further been reported that Dr. Yusuf agreed and pointed out that the risk factors for stroke are quite similar to those for heart disease. (With Inputs from Agencies)