Stroke in Women: What is Different?

Abstract

Stroke, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the general population, varies in incidence in men and women of different age groups: more boys than girls have strokes; the incidence of stroke is greater in men in their 60s and 70s; and stroke is more common in women after age 80 years. These differences are attributed to hormonal (sex-related) changes and variable risk factors in women, as well as lifestyle and environmental (gender-related) co-morbid conditions. A woman, who is more likely to have a stroke in her lifetime than a myocardial infarction, has a different response to primary and secondary prevention as compared with a man. Although response to thrombolysis is similar, older age and more severe strokes in women lead to poorer outcomes in female stroke survivors.

Recognizing and preventing Acute stroke in women

“…1 Other shared risk factors include hypertension, excessive sodium intake, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, atrial fibrillation, and depression. 1,3,8,9 Recently, researchers at the American Stroke Association International Conference presented evidence that drinking diet soda may increase the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke, or the risk of dying of either, by 50% or more. 10 Risk factors that are more specific to women include hormonal differences and migraines.…”

“…10 Risk factors that are more specific to women include hormonal differences and migraines. 3,9 Longevity is also a special concern for women because women live about 5 years longer than men, on average. 3 Because they live longer, women have more time to experience a stroke and to develop comorbid factors associated with aging that increase their stroke risk.…”

“…3,9 Longevity is also a special concern for women because women live about 5 years longer than men, on average. 3 Because they live longer, women have more time to experience a stroke and to develop comorbid factors associated with aging that increase their stroke risk. Now let' s take a closer look at factors that put women at higher risk of stroke, including hormones, migraines, and depression.…”

“…Four in 1,000 Black women will die from stroke, which is twice the mortality of White women. 1,3 Women having a stroke may experience altered mental status, headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness.…”

“…However, women in the WHI research program were hormone-naive, without endogenous or exogenous hormones, for an average of 10 years and were in their 60s. 1,3,9 For women who started estrogen early in menopause, on the lowest dose needed to reduce symptoms such as hot flashes, it isn't known if stroke risk will be similar to what' s seen with those using oral contraceptives or similar to what was noted in the WHI. Migraines with aura.…”