NEW DELHI New Delhi: On World Stroke Day on Tuesday, experts said hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives and longer life expectancy are some of the reasons that explain the higher incidence of stroke in women compared to men. Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death for all people worldwide. But, according to the American Stroke Association, it is the third leading cause of death in women and kills more women than men.
Dr Atul Prasad, principal director of neurology and HOD of BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, told IANS that hormonal factors influenced by longer life expectancy, pregnancy and delivery, oral contraceptives and menopause. Hypertension and heart diseases like atrial fibrillation, irregular Heart rhythm, as well as pollution, are other major risk factors. “Women who have a history of migraine with aura have an increased risk of stroke, especially with factors such as smoking or oral contraceptives. Another is preeclampsia – a complication of pregnancy – which doubles the risk after stroke, but is rarely considered,” Dr Sumit Singh, Chief-Neurology, Artemis Hospitals
Experts noted that women often have unusual or less recognized stroke symptoms, such as fatigue, general weakness, confusion or disorientation, nausea or vomiting, which contributes to late diagnosis and treatment. “Difficulty speaking, Common symptoms such as sudden weakness and facial drooping are found in both sexes; however, in women symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and even hiccups are more latent. or misdiagnosis and are significant in worsening the outcome,” Singh said.
While treatment and prevention of ischemic stroke is generally the same for men and women, rehabilitation programs after stroke for women need to be more gender-specific. “The outcomes are worse, and depression and cognitive decline occur more frequently, taking longer to recover in women than in men. Therefore, recovery from stroke requires mental health support, social integration and personal physical A holistic approach should be taken with rehabilitation.”
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