Stroke is among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States for both men and women. However, estimates from the American Stroke Association show that women are at slightly higher risk than men and account for about 55 percent of stroke deaths annually.
“One in five women will experience a stroke in their lifetime,” says Sam Laali, MD, a vascular neurologist on the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine medical staff.
While some of the difference can be attributed to women living longer on average than men (stroke risk increases with age), it doesn’t account for all of it.
Risks distinct to her
“In addition to classic stroke risk factors, women face unique risk factors across age and life stage,” Dr. Laali says.
In younger women, using oral contraceptives (especially women over age 35 or who smoke) and migraines with aura can contribute to increased risk. Certain pregnancy-related complications can also increase the chances of stroke:
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia are linked to increased stroke risk later in life with some studies showing roughly double the risk of stroke in the future, particularly if it was severe or occurred during more than one pregnancy.
- Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure) can also increase the likelihood of developing chronic hypertension later in life, which remains the leading cause of stroke, as well as type 2 diabetes, another stroke risk factor.
In mid-life, female hormones, especially estrogen levels, can raise the body’s tendency to form blood clots.
- When estrogen levels drop during peri/post-menopause, blood vessels may stiffen, which can contribute to higher blood pressure.
- With hormone replacement therapy, estrogen can make clots more likely. A clot can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
Dr. Laali recommends that women going through menopause track blood pressure at home.
“Any observed upward trend in blood pressure should prompt a discussion with your primary care physician,” he says.
In addition to high blood pressure, he says addressing other risk factors common to both sexes should be a priority: high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, stress, poor sleep and atrial fibrillation.
Women should work with their doctor to manage these risks and keep track of certain numbers, including cholesterol, triglyceride levels and HbA1c (blood glucose levels).
Spotting a stroke
Many women put their health on the backburner in favor of caring for others. However, it’s critical that anyone experiencing any of these signs of stroke seek emergency medical care. Remember the acronym BE FAST and dial 911 if you or someone you’re with is experiencing these symptoms:
- Balance: difficulty walking straight or experiencing dizziness.
- Eyes: loss of vision or double vision.
- Face: an uneven smile or numbness or drooping of one side of the face.
- Arm: weakness in one arm.
- Speech: slurring, difficulty speaking or understanding.
- Time to call 911: avoid driving as paramedics can begin stroke treatment immediately and alert the hospital to prepare to receive the patient.
In addition to these classic signs, Dr. Laali says women are more likely to experience other subtler symptoms.
“Some examples include sudden fatigue or generalized weakness, disorientation, confusion or memory problems,” he says.
Take control of your stroke risk
Lowering your chances of having a stroke starts with understanding your risk factors and what to do about them. Find out how by answering a few questions at BSWHealth.com/StrokeQuiz.
Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of Baylor Scott & White Health or those medical centers.
The above story was produced by the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine team with Community Impact's Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.