Hormonal changes caused due to pregnancy, or the use of oral contraceptives, and the longer life expectancy are some of the reasons that explain the higher incidences of strokes among women than men, said experts on World Stroke Day on Tuesday.Stroke is a major cause of disability and death for all people worldwide. But, it is the third leading cause of death in women and kills more females than males, according to the American Stroke Association.
Dr. Atul Prasad, Principal Director & HOD, Neurology, BLK – MAX Super Speciality Hospital, said that longer life expectancy, hormonal factors that are influenced by pregnancy and childbirth, oral contraceptives, and menopause.
Hypertension and heart diseases like atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm, together with pollution are other major risk factors.
“Women with a history of migraine with aura have an increased risk for stroke, especially along with factors such as smoking or oral contraceptives. Another is preeclampsia — a complication of pregnancy — which doubles the risk of stroke after the fact but is rarely considered,” Dr. Sumit Singh, Chief-Neurology, Artemis Hospitals
The experts noted that women also often have atypical or less-recognised stroke symptoms, such as fatigue, general weakness, confusion or disorientation, nausea, or vomiting, which contributes to late diagnosis and treatment.