What Women Need to Know About Strokes

Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability for women worldwide. While both men and women can have strokes, women are more likely to experience strokes than men, and they tend to have worse outcomes.

There are a number of factors that contribute to this gender gap, including:

* Age: Women live longer than men, on average, and the risk of stroke increases with age.

* Hormones: Estrogen has protective effects against stroke, so women who have gone through menopause or who have low estrogen levels are at higher risk of stroke.

* Pregnancy: Pregnancy can increase the risk of stroke, especially in women who have preeclampsia or other pregnancy complications.

* Migraines: Women who experience migraines are at higher risk of stroke, especially if they smoke or have high blood pressure.

* Certain medical conditions: Women who have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or an irregular heartbeat are at higher risk of stroke.

Knowing your risk factors and taking steps to manage them is important for reducing your risk of stroke. Some of the things you can do to help lower your risk include:

* Control your blood pressure: High blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke. Talk to your doctor about what a healthy blood pressure goal is for you, and make lifestyle changes or take medication to keep your blood pressure under control.

* Quit smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.

* Control your cholesterol: High cholesterol can build up in the arteries and narrow them, making them more likely to clot. Talk to your doctor about what a healthy cholesterol goal is for you, and make lifestyle changes or take medication to keep your cholesterol under control.

* Get regular exercise: Exercise helps to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for stroke. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

* Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to lower your risk of stroke. Limit your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol.

* Keep a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of stroke. Aim for a healthy weight for your height and age.

* Manage your stress: Stress can increase your blood pressure and other risk factors for stroke. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

* See your doctor regularly: Schedule regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for stroke. Your doctor may also recommend additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a carotid ultrasound, to assess your risk of stroke.

If you think you may be having a stroke, call 911 immediately.

_Stroke symptoms can include:_

* Weakness or numbness on one side of the body

* Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes

* Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

* Dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination problems

* Severe headache that comes on suddenly

Getting to the hospital quickly is crucial for treating a stroke and minimizing its potential effects.