Stroke symptoms for women vary more than men and many women do not show classic stroke symptoms. Most people are unaware that studies show women aged 45 to 54 are twice as likely to report having had a stroke than men. Stroke related risk factors including plaque clogged arteries leading to the brain, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These risk factors occur in a higher rate in women than men.
What is a Healthy Blood Pressure Level?
A normal blood pressure for an adult is less than 120/80 mm Hg. That’s less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. 33% of adults have high blood pressure.
What is a Healthy Cholesterol Level?
A healthy cholesterol level for adults is less than 200 mg/dL. Women with a cholesterol level of 50 mg/dL and men with a cholesterol level of 40 mg/dL are considered at high risk for heart disease.
A 2007 study found women often did not experience classic stroke warning signs and found gender-specific symptoms.
13% of women did not report any of the 5 classic stroke warning symptoms: Sudden Numbness or Weakness of the Face, Arm or Leg (Often Only on One Side), Sudden Confusion or Trouble Speaking, Difficulty Seeing, Difficulty Walking, Dizziness or Sudden Loss of Balance or Sudden & Sever Headache with No Known Cause.
The most common stroke symptoms reported among women not displaying the 5 classic warning signs were: Loss of Consciousness or Fainting, Difficulty Breathing, Pain and Seizures.
Women must educate themselves if they are at risk for a stroke and be conscious that female stroke victims often display unique and uncommon symptoms. By sharing the message we can help women be more aware of stroke symptoms and act fast to seek treatment. Share our infographic on women’s stroke signs to help your friends and family take better care of each other.
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