Causes of a Stroke in Women - Oren Zarif - Causes of a Stroke in a Woman

The causes of a woman's stroke are a little different than those of men. While one in three men will suffer from a stroke during their lifetime, one in five women will experience it. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, there are several causes of stroke in women. High blood pressure during pregnancy can be a leading cause of a woman's stroke. Hormonal medications like hormone replacement therapy can also increase the risk of stroke in women. Both of these drugs can increase blood clots and blood pressure, making them high risk factors for stroke.

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The most important factor to remember when assessing a woman's risk for a stroke is to be aware of the symptoms. Symptoms of a stroke can include drooping face or arm, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and nausea. These symptoms should prompt a woman to seek medical attention immediately. When stroke symptoms are present, a woman should immediately call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room. The sooner a woman seeks help, the better her chances are of survival.

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Another risk factor for a woman's stroke is pregnancy. Although it is uncommon for a woman to have a stroke during pregnancy, the blood in her body becomes more sticky and prone to clots. This may be a protective mechanism against bleeding during childbirth. Blood pressure also increases during pregnancy. Blood pressure should be monitored during antenatal appointments to detect pre-eclampsia.

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The causes of a woman's stroke are unique. Compared to men, women are more likely to have high blood pressure and stroke. Taking birth control and oral contraception can also increase a woman's risk for a stroke. Therefore, it's important for a woman to understand her risks for a stroke so that she can better seek medical care and get back on her feet as soon as possible.

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Other causes of a woman's stroke include age, cigarette smoking, and migraine. While these are the most common reasons, women also have a higher lifetime risk of a stroke than men. For example, younger people may have a higher risk of a stroke due to a condition called arterial dissection. This condition occurs when a small tear forms in the innermost lining of an artery, allowing blood to leak out into the space between the outer and inner layers.

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Other factors that may affect the risk of a woman's stroke include her age and ethnicity. Black women tend to have a higher lifetime risk of a stroke than Hispanic or Black women. Women have similar risk factors for stroke, with the exception of preeclampsia, pregnancy, and use of exogenous hormones. Increasing awareness of these factors in women early in life and implementing aggressive stroke prevention measures will help equalize the risk of a stroke by sex.

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Other potential causes of a woman's stroke include a narrowing of the arteries in her body and a family history of heart problems. These risks may result in a vascular stroke or a transient ischemic attack. If you or a loved one suffers from a stroke, it is vital to seek medical attention right away. This type of stroke does not usually cause lasting symptoms, but it should not be overlooked. The best way to prevent stroke is to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

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Another potential risk factor is a blocked artery in the brain. When the blood flow to part of the brain is impaired or blocked, the brain does not receive enough oxygen. Without adequate blood supply, brain cells begin to die. In some cases, strokes are treatable, but others can lead to disability or death. It's imperative to understand the symptoms of a stroke in a woman so you can act quickly to prevent further damage to her body.