According to studies, an estimated one in five American women will have a stroke, and nearly 60 percent will die from the attack. Stroke is considered to be the third leading cause of death for women.
There are many reasons women face a greater chance of having a stroke: They live longer, experience more stress, and are more likely to have high blood pressure. Pregnancy and birth control also increase a woman’s risk of stroke.
The more you know about the symptoms of stroke in women, the better you’ll be able to get help. Quick treatment can mean the difference between disability and recovery. Women may report symptoms not often associated with strokes in men. These can include:
Because these symptoms are unique to women, it may be difficult to immediately connect them to stroke. This can delay treatment, which may hinder recovery.
If you’re a wom...