If the leg is paralyzed, speech is impaired, and the corner of the mouth is lowered, an ambulance is required - these are signs of a stroke. Women have special risk factors for stroke - birth control pills or preeclampsia. Patients with diabetes are especially at risk, so doctors recommend regular examinations.
Hormones affect the risk of stroke in women
Hormones are a critical risk factor for stroke in women. The risk of cardiovascular disease during pregnancy is increased by 20%; approximately 30 out of every 100,000 women are affected. If other factors are present, the risk may increase to 84%.
Overweight women with high blood pressure who want to have children should seek the advice of a doctor.
It is sometimes recommended to take medication before pregnancy to prevent preeclampsia.
In patients who have already had preeclampsia, the risk of stroke is even higher. The main signs of preeclampsia are high blood pressure, increased urinary protein excretion, and severe swelling.
Birth control pills and migraines with aura are no less dangerous risk factors
In young women, the risk of stroke increases if birth control pills are used. In recent years, the risk has decreased with new drugs that contain less estrogen but still remain elevated.
Obesity, high cholesterol and smoking are aggravating factors that significantly increase the likelihood of a stroke. In women with concomitant symptoms of migraine, stroke develops more often than in men.
If women with aura suffer from migraines and take pills, the risk of stroke is about 7 times higher. If they smoke, the risk even increases 10 times. Experts advise women suffering from migraine with aura to not take birth control pills and not to smoke under any circumstances.
A family history of stroke also increases the risk of developing a disease in the offspring, especially when combined with the use of a hormonal drug.
A married couple should talk with their gynecologist about alternative methods of contraception.
The classic risk factors are overweight, high blood pressure, and lack of physical activity.
In addition to hormones in women, an important role in the development of stroke is played by classical risk factors:
- obesity;
- diabetes;
- atrial fibrillation;
- lack of physical activity;
- high blood pressure.
Hypertension is one of the most common causes of stroke in middle-aged women. German scientists advise patients to check blood pressure at least twice a year.
If it is constantly elevated and does not improve with lifestyle changes, antihypertensive agents should be used. In addition, stress reduction is a proven method for preventing complications.
After menopause, some women have another important risk factor - atrial fibrillation. They are much more likely to suffer from cardiac arrhythmias than men. Experts recommend treating atrial fibrillation sequentially. Timely therapy reduces the risk of stroke by 70%.
Women with diabetes are especially at risk.
Women with diabetes are a special group: the risk of the disease is 27% higher than men with diabetes. The severity of a stroke is much more pronounced in diabetics. Patients often have other risk factors that contribute to stroke:
- abdominal obesity;
- high blood pressure;
- disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
Atherosclerosis is a process in which arteries narrow and become clogged with plaques. Atherosclerosis, that is, gradual calcification of the arteries, is the main cause of stroke in addition to high blood pressure.
It is important to recognize and treat diabetes at an early stage, only then it will be possible to most effectively reduce the risk of mortality. Good prophylaxis can have a strong effect, especially in special risk groups.
If headache, visual disturbances, speech or mood changes occur, it is important to call an ambulance immediately. In both stroke and heart attack, every minute is precious.
