Let’s set the record straight: Stroke isn’t just a health risk for men. According to the National Stroke Association, annually 55,000 more women are dying of stroke than men, making it the third leading cause of death for women.
This may seem alarming – men generally partake in unhealthy habits, like drinking and smoking, in comparison to women, and yet women are facing greater fatalities when it comes to stroke.
A stroke occurs when the brain cannot receive oxygen and nutrients from blood because of a clot or blockage in the vein that reaches the brain. The lack of oxygen and blood results in the cells in the brain dying.
There are a few different types of strokes depending on the cause. If there is a clot, it’s referred to as ischemic stroke. If a blood vessel ruptures, this is called hemorrhagic stroke, and a transient ischemic attack (TIA) – or a mini stroke – is caused by a temporary clot.
Although a mini stroke will clear up on its own, it should be taken as serious warning sign of what’s to come. Ignoring a mini stroke can mean the difference of life or death. A mini stroke can last for a few moments or last all day, but in either case seek emergency medical attention.
Most women don’t realize they are experiencing a mini stroke, let alone a stroke in general, so knowing the signs and symptoms can prevent long-term damage. Any of the below signs and symptoms of a stroke in women should not be overlooked. If you begin to experience any of them call 911.
At all ages, a man has a higher risk of having a stroke than a woman. But each year, more women than men die from stroke and the gap is widening. But what exactly is putting Women at such high risk?
We know that men visit doctors less and are more likely to drink alcohol, smoke and eat unhealthy, but there are some large differences between men and women that increase a woman’s risk of stroke. Some of women’s increased stroke risk is caused by the fact that women tend to live longer on average than men, and stroke mortality is higher with age. But that’s only part of the puzzle.
When it comes to being at risk for a stroke there are typical risk factors that apply to both sexes. These are:
But there are certain risk factors for women which are unique that increase the risk of stroke in women. Some of these include:
As you can see, some of these risks don’t apply to men, but unfortunately up the risk of stroke in women.
Ref: https://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/early/2014/02/06/01.str.0000442009.06663.48.full.pdf+html
Once again, there are common symptoms of stroke that apply to both men and women such as:
Women, on the other hand, may experience unique symptoms, so knowing these signs of stroke in women can help save a life. Be on the lookout for these:
Additionally, if you want to spot a stroke remember to think FAST. FAST is an easy acronym the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association developed to know the signs and spot a stroke when it begins. It relates to:
F – Face Drooping
A – Arm Weakness
S – Speech Difficulty
T – Time to call 911.
Now that we understand the consequences of a stroke, it’s important to take measures to prevent a stroke from occurring. Based on the common and uncommon symptoms of a stroke in women, we should be aware that not taking part in risky behaviors – such as smoking and drinking – is an integral part in stroke prevention. Other stroke prevention methods are:
Early detection of stroke can significantly reduce the impact a stroke can have on your life. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke in women, you can prevent any long-term damage by seeking help immediately.
The effects of a stroke on both women and men can be devastating. Some people may experience behavioral changes, face physical challenges like paralysis, cognitive challenges like not being able to solve problems and memory loss, and even their speech may become impaired. This all depends on the severity of the stroke, where it occurs in the brain and how long it takes to get treatment. Let’s break it down further:
If a stroke affects the right side of the brain, memory loss, impaired judgment and misjudgment of distances may occur.
If a stroke affects the left part of the brain, speech and language can become affected, memory problems can occur and you may develop slow and cautious behavior.
If a stroke affects the part of the brain which controls balance – the cerebellum – you may experience balance problems, dizziness and abnormal reflexes.
Stroke recovery has its own set of challenges. It may involve rehabilitation therapy and speech therapy to improve skills. People may require assisted care for everyday tasks like dressing, showering and even feeding themselves.
Other changes after a stroke can dramatically alter lifestyle. If prior to stroke you followed unhealthy habits, making a switch to healthier eating and more exercise is then key to prevent another stroke from happening.
Because women have unique factors which can increase their risk of stroke, it’s important to know, understand and recognize the signs of a stroke in women. Educating yourself in this area can prolong your life and prevent a stroke from occurring or hindering your life.
Although a stroke can affect any woman at any age, age can play a factor. Monitoring your health regularly can help spot any changes for better stroke prevention. Your health is in your hands!
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