Men are more likely to have a stroke. However, women have a higher lifetime risk and are also more likely to die from a stroke.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in five women will have a stroke. Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke because they tend to live longer than men. They also have unique risk factors, including:
- Pregnancy
- Preeclampsia
- The use of hormonal birth control
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Obesity
- Migraine with aura, which is more common in women
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is more common in women over 75 years of age
Many symptoms of stroke are common in both men and women, including:
- Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face and limbs, most likely on one side of the body
- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding
- Sudden and severe headaches with no known cause
- Sudden dizziness, difficulty walking, or loss of balance or coordination
Women may report symptoms that are often not associated with strokes in men. These symptoms can include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizures
- Hiccups
- Shortness of breath
- Pain
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- General weakness
Because these symptoms can signify a different condition, it can be difficult to connect them immediately to a stroke. This can delay treatment and slow recovery.
The American Stroke Association recommends an easy strategy for identifying the symptoms of a stroke. If you think you or someone around you may be having a stroke, you should act FAST:
- Face – ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
- Arms – ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech – ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- Time – if you observe any of these symptoms, it is time to call 911 or your local emergency services.
When it comes to a stroke, every minute counts. The longer you wait to call emergency services, the more likely it is that the stroke will result in brain damage or disability.
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has been accredited as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (the highest designation of stroke care) by the Joint Commission. Whether you’ve survived a stroke or may be at risk of experiencing one, you can schedule an appointment for neuroendovascular screening, stroke rehabilitation, or any other form of stroke treatment that we provide. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.