Causes And Risk Factors For Strokes In Women

Depression And Loneliness

It's very common for women to feel symptoms of depression after a stroke. However, compelling research has shown having depression and loneliness can actually increase a woman's risk of having a stroke in the first place. Though the exact cause of the relationship isn't completely clear, researchers have several theories as to why depression and loneliness and lead to stroke. Oftentimes, women don't take proper care of themselves when they are depressed, including eating less healthy food and exercising less. Another theory is the same markers in the bloodstream that cause inflammation and set the body up for a stroke may also play a causal role in the development of depression. Furthermore, some antidepressant medications list stroke as a potential side effect.

Diabetes

Along with a plethora of other health concerns, diabetes has also been causally linked to strokes in women. The bodies of individuals with this disease either do not produce enough insulin or they ignore the insulin that is produced. Insulin is crucial for the body to process sugar, which is the basic fuel source for all of the cells in the body. Having issues with insulin production or utilization often results in other risk factors for stroke, as well, such as high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation. As such, it is unsurprising that women with diabetes are up to four times more likely to have a stroke than those who do not have the disease. Losing excess weight, exercising more, eating healthily, and properly taking any insulin shots and medications are all ways to control the condition and reduce the already increased chance of having a stroke.