Strokes happen when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, so that brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients. It is one of the major causes of mortality and long-term disability in the world. Strokes can affect men and women, but research indicates that women are more likely than men to experience different symptoms, risk factors and outcomes. This variance can make the early detection more difficult, prolonging time to treatment and worse prognosis.
Women often suffer strokes later in life than men, during or after menopause, a time when hormonal changes can increase risk. Other risk factors also increase the chances of having a stroke, such as pregnancy, birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. But knowledge of how stroke symptoms exhibit in women is scant.
Dr Mrinal Bansal, Senior Neurologist at Felix Global Hospital tells Moneycontrol, “It is common for women to have subtle stroke symptoms (atypical stroke) as well – e.g., feeling tired, confused or weak and therefore miss the severity of their early warning signs. It’s important to identify these early signs of the disease because getting treatment promptly can be the difference between full recovery and lasting complications.”
Also Read: 99% of heart attacks and strokes are linked to these four risk factors, reveals new study
Classic Stroke Symptoms
Symptoms of stroke among both men and women are sudden onset of weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, inability to comprehend speech, vision changes, dizziness or loss of balance. If your doctor thinks you have become infected with the coronavirus, these “FAST” symptoms — Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency — apply to anyone.
Atypical Symptoms in Women
Women are also more likely to present with non-traditional symptoms, which can include nausea, shortness of breath, sudden confusion, fatigue and chest pain. Some may even have a vague feeling that “things are somehow not right.” These symptoms are so general, they can easily be dismissed as anxiety, stress or hormonal.
Hormonal Factors
Hormones are vital in terms of risk for stroke. Estrogen provides protection for the blood vessels, and as it declines after menopause, vulnerability grows. Hormone replacement therapies, or birth control pills can also increase the risk of clots, especially in women who smoke or have hypertension.
Pregnancy-Related Risk
Pregnancy and postpartum changes raise the risk of stroke because women’s blood pressure goes up, and clotting factors also go through changes. For instance, diagnoses of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension are independent risk factors for future cardiovascular complications if not managed correctly.
Higher Mortality and Recovery Challenges
Research has shown that women are likely to have harsher strokes and longer recoveries than men. They are also more likely to live alone, a situation that can prolong the time before help arrives and limit access to rehabilitation support — factors that lead to higher rates of mortality and disability.
Prevention and Awareness
Lifestyle remains paramount —keeping blood pressure in check, staying active, following a healthy diet and refraining from smoking. Women should also surveillance hormone-based treatments and their individual risk factors.
FAQs on Symptoms of Strokes Among Women
1. What are the classic symptoms of a stroke in women?
Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, inability to comprehend speech, vision changes, dizziness, or loss of balance.
2. What are atypical symptoms of a stroke in women?
Non-traditional symptoms include nausea, shortness of breath, sudden confusion, fatigue, and chest pain. Some women may feel that “things are somehow not right.”
3. How do hormonal changes affect stroke risk in women?
Estrogen protects blood vessels, and its decline after menopause increases vulnerability. Hormone replacement therapies or birth control pills can also heighten the risk, especially in women who smoke or have hypertension.
4. How does pregnancy affect stroke risk in women?
Pregnancy and postpartum changes raise stroke risk due to increased blood pressure and changes in clotting factors. Conditions like preeclampsia or gestational hypertension are independent risk factors for future cardiovascular complications.
5. Why do women tend to have higher mortality and recovery challenges after a stroke?
Women often experience more severe strokes and longer recovery periods. Many live alone, delaying help and limiting access to rehabilitation support, leading to higher rates of mortality and disability.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
