Causes And Risk Factors For Strokes In Women

Although a stroke is more likely to occur in men, women have an increased lifetime risk of suffering from one someday. Women are also more likely than men to die from a stroke. In fact, strokes are the third leading cause of death in women. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, one in five American women will have a stroke someday and almost sixty percent will die from it. Women experience different causes than men. Thus, it is important to understand what can result in a woman having a stroke. Uncover the details now.

Pregnancy

A stroke occurs when not enough oxygen is delivered to the brain, which results in the death of brain cells. According to a 2011 study, pregnancy and the postpartum period increase a woman's risk of ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage. Even healthy pregnancies increase a woman's risk of stroke because of the natural changes in the body, including increased stress on the heart and higher blood pressure. Exercise and a healthy diet may lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of a stroke.

Women Live Longer

Approximately fifty-five thousand more women will experience a stroke than men each year. Women who have strokes are more likely to have a more negative impact from the event simply because they live longer. According to the National Stroke Association, women may suffer more from a stroke because they are more likely to live alone at the time. They are also more likely than men to live in a long-term health care center after a stroke, and they tend to have a tougher recovery.