Stroke in women

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this article is to provide an overview of stroke in women and describe modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for stroke.

Data synthesis: Data supporting this article come from the National Center for Health Statistics, from American Heart Association publications, and from some of the large, multicenter trials and observational studies that inform guidelines for prevention of stroke. These data indicate that stroke is the third leading cause of death in women, that risk for stroke rises rapidly with age, and that the strongest risk factors for stroke are high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation, as well as diabetes and smoking. Risk rises rapidly when two or more risk factors are present. Hormone therapy in postmenopausal women increases risk of ischemic, but not hemorrhagic stroke, by 40-50%. Biomarkers of inflammation are associated with stroke risk. Other risk factors include certain lipids, physical inactivity, and low potassium diets. Although there has been improvement in the past decade, control of hypertension is inadequate in older women and many strokes could be prevented by better treatment of hypertension.

Conclusion: Death and disability from stroke can be reduced with modification, treatment, and better control of risk factors like hypertension, diabetes and atrial fibrillation.