Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives and longer life expectancy are some of the reasons that explain the higher incidence of stroke in women compared to men, experts said on World Stroke Day on Tuesday.
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death for all people worldwide. But, according to the American Stroke Association, it is the third leading cause of death in women and more women die than men.
Dr Atul Prasad, Principal Director and HOD, Neurology, BLK – Max Super Specialty Hospital, told IANS that longer life expectancy, hormonal factors that are influenced by pregnancy and childbirth, oral contraceptives and menopause.
High blood pressure and heart diseases like atrial fibrillation, irregular heart rhythm, along with pollution are other major risk factors.
“Women with a history of migraine with aura have an increased risk of stroke, especially with factors such as smoking or oral contraceptives. Another is preeclampsia – a complication of pregnancy – which doubles the risk of stroke after the fact. Gives but is rarely accepted, “Dr. Sumit Singh, Chief-Neurology, Artemis Hospitals.
Experts said women also often have unusual or less recognized stroke symptoms, such as fatigue, general weakness, confusion or disorientation, nausea or vomiting, which contributes to late diagnosis and treatment.
“Common symptoms such as obscene speech, sudden weakness and drooping of the face are established in both sexes; however, in women the symptoms are more disguised in the form of dizziness, fatigue, nausea and even hiccups. Such unusual Symptoms often delay decisions or lead to misdiagnosis, leading to poor outcomes,” Singh said.
While treatment and prevention of ischemic stroke is generally the same for men and women, rehabilitation programs after stroke for women need to be more gender specific.
“The outcomes are worse, and depression and cognitive decline occur more frequently, with women taking longer to recover than men. Thus, stroke recovery needs to be approached in a more holistic manner, with mental health support, social integration, and individual physical rehabilitation. Should be adopted from,” said the doctor.
The main strategies for preventing ischemic stroke – controlling blood pressure, managing cholesterol, avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle – are the same for both men and women.
However, Prasad stressed the need to regularly monitor stroke risk for women who are taking birth control pills, or undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women with a history of preeclampsia also require long-term follow-up.
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