Women and Stroke
Women-specific stroke statistics
Approximately 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year.
More than 30% of strokes occur in women before the age of 65.
62% more women than men die from stroke each year.
More than 100,000 women died from stroke last year.
2.5 times more women die from stroke than breast cancer each year.
Studies have shown that women take 46% longer than men to get to the emergency room after stroke symptoms occur.
Women who smoke and take oral contraceptives greatly increase their risk of stroke compared to non-smoking women who use oral contraceptives.
Women significantly outnumber men as caregivers to stroke survivors (59% - 75%).
Women-specific stroke symptoms
Women do not always experience the classic stroke symptoms; women’s’ symptoms may include:
chest pain
face and limb pain
general weakness
heart palpitations
hiccups
nausea
shortness of breath
Women-specific risk factors
Women share many similar risk factors as men; however, there are some risk factors that are specific to women:
Birth control pills
Women smokers who use birth control pills have a higher risk of stroke. Women who use or are considering birth control pills should discuss the possible benefits and risks with their doctor.
Clotting disorders
Women who’ve had more than one miscarriage may be at higher risk for blood clots, which can increase their chance of a stroke. Other signs of a possible clotting disorder can include previous history of clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and livedo reticularis, a mottled purplish discoloration of the skin.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Some studies have shown that HRT increases the risk of stroke. Post-menopausal women who use or are considering using hormone therapy should discuss the possible benefits and risks with their doctor.
Migraines
Women who suffer migraines are three to six times more likely to suffer a stroke than women who don't have migraines.
Pregnancy
The risk of stroke may be higher in women during pregnancy and during the six weeks following childbirth but this is usually the result of other problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes. It’s important to have your doctor check these risk factors throughout your pregnancy.
Sources:
American Stroke Association
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention
National Stroke Association
Peninsula Stroke Association
Stroke Awareness Foundation