There is a common misconception that strokes are just a health risk for men. Although it certainly is possible for men to have a stroke, there are 55,000 more women dying annually because of stroke in comparison to men.
This figure is alarming to many people, because men are more likely to take part in unhealthy habits, such as smoking and drinking. Women still face a greater possibility for fatality when it comes to stroke.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke takes place when the brain is not receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients because of a blockage or blood clot in the blood vessel that takes blood to the brain. The brain cells begin dying due to the lack of oxygen and blood.
A number of different types of strokes are possible. If a clot exists, it is known as an ischemic stroke. If it occurs due to a blood vessel rupture, it is a hemorrhagic stroke. Transient ischemic attacks (TIA), also known as a mini stroke, results when a temporary clot blocks the blood flow.
TIA or Mini Stroke
A mini stroke may clear up on it’s own but it should still be taken as a warning sign of things to come. Ignoring a mini stroke can put you at risk. Whether such a problem lasts for a moment or all day, you should seek out emergency medical attention immediately.
Many women are not aware of when they are experiencing a mini stroke, or any type of stroke for that matter. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help to prevent long-term damage. If you experience any of the symptoms or signs listed below, you should take note of them and call 911 immediately.
Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Strokes in Women
Men have a higher risk of having a stroke than women but more women die from stroke and the gap seems to be getting wider. Why are women at a greater risk?
Men tend to take part in unhealthy habits, such as poor eating, smoking and drinking alcohol more frequently than women. They also visit the doctor less frequently. A woman has a higher risk of dying from a stroke for a number of reasons, however, including women living longer than men.
Risk of Stroke in Women
There are a number of other risk factors, and these apply to both men and women.
Being overweight
Lack of exercise
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Drug use including cigarette smoking
Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease.
Certain risk factors are unique to women or are more likely to happen to women, including the following:
Being pregnant
Taking birth control pills
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Suffering migraines with auras
Mental health.
| Stroke Risk Factors, Categorized by Those That Are Sex-Specific, Stronger or More Prevalent in Women, or Similar Between Women and Men | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk Factor | Sex-Specific Risk Factors | Risk Factors That Are Stronger or More Prevalent in Women | Risk Factors With Similar Prevalence in Men and Women but Unknown Difference in Impact |
| Pregnancy | X | ||
| Preeclampsia | X | ||
| Gestational diabetes | X | ||
| Oral contraceptive use | X | ||
| Postmenopausal hormone use | X | ||
| Changes in hormonal status | X | ||
| Migraine with aura | X | ||
| Atrial fibrillation | X | ||
| Diabetes mellitus | X | ||
| Hypertension | X | ||
| Physical inactivity | X | ||
| Age | X | ||
| Prior cardiovascular disease | X | ||
| Obesity | X | ||
| Diet | X | ||
| Smoking | X | ||
| Metabolic syndrome | X | ||
| Depression | X | ||
| Psychosocial stress | X | ||
Via: The Hearty Soul
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