Final answer:
High blood pressure is the main factor putting a patient at high risk of experiencing a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and managing it through lifestyle or medication is important for risk reduction. Other factors include previous strokes, atherosclerosis, old age, certain health conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol, and lifestyle habits like smoking and physical inactivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the primary factors putting a patient at a high risk of experiencing a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known as a stroke, includes high blood pressure (hypertension). It is crucial for patients to maintain their blood pressure within the normal range, which can be achieved through lifestyle changes or medications, as this is the best approach to reduce the risk of stroke. In addition, previous stroke, atherosclerosis in the arteries of the brain, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking are significant risk factors. Men are at a higher risk than women, and the risk increases with age. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use also contribute majorly to the likelihood of a stroke. Environmental and genetic factors play a role, with cardiovascular diseases in family history tripling the risk for an individual. However, many of these risk factors for a cerebrovascular accident can be reduced or managed through a range of proactive health strategies.