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What Are the Causes of a Stroke in a Woman? - Oren Zarif - Causes of a Stroke in a Woman

  • Writer: Oren Zarif
    Oren Zarif
  • May 24, 2022
  • 3 min read

Although a woman's risk of a stroke is low, it increases if she is pregnant. High blood pressure during pregnancy and cesarean delivery increase the risk of an ischemic stroke. Women with preeclampsia also face an increased risk of a stroke after delivery. Shifting hormone levels may also play a role in this increased risk. Furthermore, younger women who take illicit drugs such as methamphetamine or cocaine are also at a higher risk of a stroke.

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Certain medications can increase the risk of a stroke. These include blood-thinning drugs like aspirin and warfarin. Birth control pills that contain low-dose estrogen are also a risk factor.

Older age is also a risk factor. After age 55, the risk doubles. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect you are suffering from a stroke. While many of the factors involved in a stroke are preventable, there is still no one sure-fire way to prevent a stroke.

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Symptoms of a stroke vary among women. Facial changes, weakness of one or both arms, speech difficulties, and confusion are some of the symptoms that should prompt a visit to the hospital immediately. Women may downplay these symptoms, but the sooner you identify them, the better your chances of survival. And because a woman's risk for stroke increases with age, her chances of having a stroke are higher than that of a man.

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Women also have a greater risk of high blood pressure than men. One out of three women has stage 2 high blood pressure, and only half of these women have it under control. High blood pressure can strain the blood vessels and rupture them. During pregnancy, a woman's blood pressure can rise to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of a stroke. High blood pressure is also an increased risk factor in women taking hormonal medications or menopause-related hormone replacement therapy. These drugs can raise blood pressure and cause a stroke.

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In addition to the above-mentioned risk factors, women should also be aware of additional risk factors. These include fatigue, difficulty in thinking clearly, and nausea. If any of these symptoms occur, women should seek medical attention immediately. Getting help early is crucial to a speedy diagnosis and effective treatment. The sooner the symptoms appear, the better. The sooner the symptoms can be treated and prevented. For this reason, it is vital to recognize any early symptoms of a stroke.

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A TIA (transient ischemic attack) is the precursor to a stroke. It occurs when a blood vessel that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes blocked. When this happens, brain tissue dies. As a result, parts of the body become weak or numb. Damaged artery walls can cause blood clots to form along them or even flow from other areas. In addition, plaque pieces can travel to the brain and cause stroke.

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If a clot has formed in the brain, mechanical thrombectomy can be an effective treatment. Depending on the cause of the clot, patients can recover from an ischemic stroke with a clot-busting drug. The treatment for ischemic strokes is different than that for hemorrhagic ones. Besides high blood pressure, ruptured veins, and faulty arteries can cause hemorrhagic stroke. In such cases, medical professionals will treat the ruptured veins or arteries before further bleeding occurs.

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Several sex-specific risk factors for stroke have been identified in the INTERSTROKE study. While smoking is the most significant risk factor, other cardiovascular risk factors like hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus have less than half the stroke risk for women. In fact, women's stroke risk will be the same as men's once access to care is equal. The first guideline addressing the causes of a stroke in a woman was published recently. Enhanced screening and treatment for women is urgently needed.

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Although lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of a stroke, some risk factors cannot be changed. To minimize the risk of stroke, patients should control their blood pressure by making healthy lifestyle choices and taking their medications as prescribed. They should also be aware of any signs of atrial fibrillation, which can lead to a stroke. If this condition is detected early, a woman should seek medical attention immediately. It is important to seek medical advice for any underlying medical condition.

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