New Delhi, October 29 (IANS). On World Stroke Day, experts said hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or the use of birth control pills lead to more cases of stroke in women than men.
Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to the American Stroke Association, it is the third leading cause of death in women and it kills more women than men.
“Hormonal changes in women play an important role in longevity,” Dr Atul Prasad, principal director and HOD of Neurology, BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, told IANS. These changes are affected by pregnancy, childbirth, birth control pills, and menopause.
High blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation, irregular heartbeat along with pollution are other major risk factors.
Dr. Sumit Singh, Chief-Neurology, Artemis Hospitals, said, “The risk of stroke in women suffering from migraine increases with factors like contraception. Preeclampsia, a complication of pregnancy, doubles the risk of stroke, but it is rarely noticed.
Experts noted that women often have unusual or less recognized stroke symptoms. These symptoms include fatigue, general weakness, confusion, nausea and vomiting. Due to this, there is delay in detection of the disease and its treatment.
Singh said, “Common symptoms like difficulty in speaking, sudden weakness and drooping of the face are found in both men and women. However, in women, the symptoms are also hidden in the form of dizziness, fatigue, nausea and even hiccups.” Due to such unusual symptoms, treatment is often delayed.
Avoiding smoking and adopting a healthy lifestyle along with controlling BP and cholesterol are advised by experts to prevent ischemic stroke.
–IANS
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