Which of the following is NOT a common risk factor for CVA?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Diabetes
• C. Atrial Fibrillation
• D. Vitamin C deficiency

Answer: (D)

Stroke risk comes from factors that damage blood vessels or create clots that can reach the brain. Hypertension is a major driver because persistent high pressure injures cerebral vessels and promotes both atherosclerosis and vessel rupture. Diabetes also increases risk by accelerating atherosclerosis and causing microvascular damage, raising the likelihood of ischemic events. Atrial fibrillation leads to blood clots forming in the heart and traveling to the brain, causing embolic strokes, which is a well-known and preventable mechanism.

Vitamin C deficiency, while it can cause bleeding and vascular fragility in severe cases (scurvy), is not a common or recognized risk factor for cerebrovascular accidents in typical risk assessments. It doesn’t drive the usual stroke pathways the way hypertension, diabetes, or atrial fibrillation do.