SUMMARY The objective of the present epidemiological study was to reevaluate the relationship of various suspect risk factors to stroke within a Dutch community. The Tilburg study lends support to findings in other countries concerning the greater stroke risk of persons with high blood pressure, heart disorders, and diabetes mellitus. Significant interactions of both age and a history of myocardial infarction with hypertension on stroke risk were noted. The presence of overweight and possible transient ischemic attacks (TIA) were found related to stroke onset. No increase in stroke risk was associated with cigarette smoking. The extent of leisure time physical activity during one's lifetime was found inversely related to one's chances for stroke.Stroke, Vol 13, No 3, 1982 STROKE REMAINS A MAJOR contributor to morbidity, functional disability and mortality in most developed countries. The resulting interpersonal and economic costs of this illness for patient, family and society are also substantial. In order to reduce the incidence of stroke, knowledge of etiological factors underlying its onset is essential. The following biomedical and behavioral variables have been studied regarding stroke risk in various centers: high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, heart disorders, overweight, transient cerebral ischemic attack (TIA), cigarette smoking, and physical activity. These have varied in the extent of investigation and the consistency of results from place to place.