JP Stroke Foundation

Strokes can happen to anyone at any point in their life, however the initial signs of stroke in women go unnoticed more often than in men, leading to high mortality and poorer outcomes after a stroke amongst affected women. In fact, 60% of stroke-related deaths are women [1]. FAST is an acronym which can be used to help detect the first signs of stroke in both men and women [2].

Retrieved from: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/stroke/what-is-stroke/types-of-stroke/women-and-stroke

Though the general symptoms of stroke are the same for both men and women, it is important to note that these symptoms may be displayed differently in women’s bodies [2]. Such symptoms may be mild, many of which could be falsely attributed to factors such as stress or other temporary illnesses. Symptoms are often vague in women, and can manifest as exhaustion, weakness, headaches, numbness, imbalance, or impaired vision [1]. Despite being at the greatest risk for fatality, women tend to overlook their symptoms of a stroke [1]. Whether it is not being aware of FAST signs, or brushing off the first signs that experience, women are indefinitely at risk for stroke during various stages of life [2].

Factors such as higher blood pressure during pregnancy, menopause, and old age increase the risk of stroke [2]. African American women are at the highest risk of death from stroke, because of high blood pressure and obesity rates [3]. Hispanic women are also at greater risk, due to higher rates of blood pressure and diabetes [3]. In addition, hormone therapy and forms of birth control, along with higher rates of depression among women increase the risk of stroke [2,3]. It is obvious that women deal with copious levels of hormonal, psychological, and physical changes throughout the course of their lifetime, which is likely the reason why brief or vague signs of stroke are often understated.

Regardless of its severity, the first signs of stroke must be taken seriously. Seek immediate medical help if you observe any of the FAST signs in yourself or others, and remember to be on the lookout for any of these understated signs of stroke in women.

Author: Aparna Mahes

References

[1] Is it fatigue – or a stroke? Women shouldn’t ignore these warning signs. http://www.heart.org. (2021, August 16). https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/05/31/is-it-fatigue-or-a-stroke-women-shouldnt-ignore-these-warning-signs

[2] Women and stroke. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. (n.d.). https://www.heartandstroke.ca/stroke/what-is-stroke/types-of-stroke/women-and-stroke

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 4). Women and stroke. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/women.htm