Modifiable risk factors include the following: Hypertension Cigarette smoking Dyslipidemia Diabetes Insulin resistance (1) Abdominal obesity Excess alcohol consumption Lack of physical activity High-risk diet (eg, high in saturated fats, trans fats, and calories) Psychosocial stress (eg, depression) Heart disorders (particularly disorders that predispose to emboli, such as acute myocardial infarction, infective endocarditis, and atrial fibrillation) Use of certain drugs (eg, cocaine, amphetamines) Hypercoagulability Vasculitis Unmodifiable risk factors include the following: Prior stroke Older age Family history of stroke Male sex Most TIAs are caused by emboli, usually from carotid or vertebral arteries, although most of the causes of ischemic stroke can also result in TIAs.