Contrary to popular belief, stroke is not a health issue that should concern men only, and the signs of stroke in women deserve more attention than they usually get. According to the NSA (National Stroke Association), about 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year. As a matter of fact, stroke is among the top 5 causes of death for women.
Many women (and men) will find this information odd, because men are more often the ones who follow an unhealthy lifestyle, smoke cigarettes, and drink alcohol. Yet stroke still takes the lives of more women than men.
If you think you or someone near you may be having a stroke, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Now Let’s See What Exactly a Stroke Is
A stroke occurs when part of the brain can’t get enough nutrients and oxygen from the blood, because a blood vessel that carries blood to the brain is blocked or has burst. As a result of the insufficient supply of blood and oxygen, the cells in this area stop working and eventually die.
Strokes are caused by a few different things, and that’s why medicine divides strokes into several groups. For instance, when a clot blocks a blood vessel, this is known as an ischemic stroke. When a blood vessel breaks, this is known as a hemorrhagic stroke. Finally, a temporary clot leads to a mini stroke, also known as a TIA (transient ischemic attack).
Mini Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Even though a TIA is a type of stroke that goes away on its own, people should look at it as an early warning sign of something even more serious. A TIA should always be taken seriously. A mini stroke can last from just a couple of seconds to several hours, but regardless of its duration, you should always call 911 right away.
Many women are not aware that they are experiencing a mini stroke or any other type of stroke, so learning more about the symptoms and signs may help them get medical help in time. Well-known signs include sudden drooping of one side of the face, weakness in one arm, and slurred speech. If you notice any of these, take them seriously and don’t hesitate to call 911.
Causes, Symptoms and Signs of Stroke in Women
At most ages, men have a higher chance of experiencing a stroke than women. Yet every year, significantly more women die from stroke, and it seems that the numbers are growing. So, why are women at more risk? What is the cause?
As we all know, men tend to skip regular medical checkups, and they usually smoke more cigarettes, drink more alcohol, and eat less healthy food. But there are some other things that make women more prone to stroke-related fatalities. One of the reasons why women are at higher risk is the fact that they usually live longer than men, and the risk of stroke grows with age. However, this is only one of the factors that contribute to this difference.
Factors That Contribute to the Occurrence of Stroke in Women
There are certain risk factors that are the same for both men and women. Some of these risk factors include:
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity and being overweight
- High cholesterol levels
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Cigarette smoking
- Cardiovascular disease.
However, there are specific factors that apply to women in particular. This is a short list of these risk factors:
- Using birth control pills
- Being pregnant
- Having frequent migraines
- Following HRT – hormone replacement therapy
- Overall mental health.
If any of these apply to you, talk to your doctor about your personal risk. Do not stop any prescribed medication or therapy on your own.
Via Healthline
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.