Women and Stroke
Caring for myself protects the future of everyone I care about, including my own.
As a woman you are a lot of things to a lot of people. You are busy. You are stressed. You are strong. You are irreplaceable. You are a caretaker. But do you care for yourself as well as you do others?
You might have unique risk factors that put you at a higher risk for stroke, including pregnancy or menopause or being a woman of color.
I rise for tomorrow by defeating stroke today. Because losing even one woman to stroke is one too many.
Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in women and kills more women than men. In fact, one in five women will have a stroke.
The good news? Most strokes may be preventable. Here are some tips:
- Evaluate your risk factors for stroke. Some risk factors are controllable and treatable, while others aren’t. It’s important to understand your risk.
- Know your blood pressure and keep it in a healthy range. High blood pressure is the No. 1 preventable cause of stroke.
- Talk to your healthcare professional about ways to improve your well-being and help prevent stroke.
- Learn how to spot a stroke — B.E. F.A.S.T. If you see Balance loss, Eye (vision) changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness or Speech difficulty, it’s Time to call 911.
Tools and Resources
Survivor Stories
Kenya Robinson
Finding strength in slowing down.
Alex Wilson-Garza
ER nurse becomes a stroke survivor.
Erin Adelekun
A new mom’s stroke journey.
Minnie Watkins
A stroke changed her art forever.
Stroke can be different between women and men.
In the United States, stroke kills more women and is more likely to be the first cardiovascular disease to appear. Dr. Mitch Elkind, a neurologist who has researched stroke prevention and treatment extensively, joins House Calls to discuss the unique stroke risk factors women face, the symptoms they should know, and how stroke can be prevented.
Together to End Stroke® E-newsletter
Designed for healthcare professionals and stroke leaders to stay informed on the latest insights in stroke.
Stroke Connection® E-newsletter
News, resources and stories for survivors of stroke and their caregivers.