Stroke is a significant global health issue, affecting millions of people each year, and is the leading cause of death and disability in women worldwide. In India, it is the second leading cause of death among women, following closely behind heart disease. It is crucial to recognize that stroke can occur at any age, making it a serious concern for women of all generations. We spoke to Dr Guruprasad Hosurkar, Additional Director - Neurology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru to understand about factors that put women at risk of stroke and how they can be prevented.
What are the factors that contribute to the heightened risk of stroke in women?
1. High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most critical risk factor for stroke. In India, more than half of all stroke cases are attributed to high blood pressure. Regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and, when necessary, medications can help control blood pressure.
2. Diabetes: According to Dr Hosurkar, “Diabetes is a substantial risk factor for stroke. Individuals with diabetes are two to four times more likely to experience a stroke compared to those without diabetes. Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication, if prescribed, is essential.”
3. High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to the narrowing of arteries, increasing the risk of stroke. Healthy lifestyle choices and medications can help manage cholesterol levels.
4. Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke. Dr Hosurkar explains that smoking damages blood vessels and raises the likelihood of blood clots. Quitting smoking is an important step to reduce this risk.
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5. Obesity: Obesity is another risk factor, with obese individuals being two to three times more likely to have a stroke than those with a normal weight. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is key.
6. Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of stroke. Adults are advised to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week.
In addition to these general risk factors, Dr Hosurkar also lists some specific factors related to women in India:
1. Pregnancy and Childbirth: Pregnancy and childbirth can alter blood vessels and the heart, increasing the risk of stroke.
2. Anaemia: Young women with anaemia/iron deficiency are more prone to develop venous strokes or venous sinus thrombosis which occurs when blood clots block blood vessels in the brain. This specifically happens during the child bearing age group in 20 and 30s because of the nutrition deficiency such as lack of iron and vitamin B12.
3. Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure, can elevate the risk of stroke.
4. Eclampsia: A severe form of preeclampsia, eclampsia can lead to seizures and places women at a very high risk of stroke.
Also Read: About 80% Of Strokes Are Preventable: Here Are 5 Ways To Cut Down Your Risk
5. Puerperal Sepsis: Post-childbirth infections, like puerperal sepsis, can raise the risk of stroke.
6. Domestic Violence: Domestic violence can increase the risk of stroke in women due to the physical injuries, stress, and anxiety it causes.
7. Connective tissue disorder: These can weaken the walls of blood vessels and make them more likely to clot.
8. Vasculitis: Vasculitis is inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can damage the blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the organs and other tissues of the body.
9. Dehydration: When a person is dehydrated, their blood becomes thicker and more likely to clot. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather or when the person is exercising.
10. Hormonal preparations: Exposure to oral contraceptives and other hormonal preparations increases the risk of stroke in women especially venous strokes.
Other unique risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, frequent migraine headaches etc which are more common in women.
Also Read: Recovering After A Stroke: Rehabilitation Strategies To Improve Quality Of Life
What are the steps women can take to reduce their risk of stroke?
Here are some suggestions by Dr Hosurkar to minimise stroke risk in women:
1. Controlling Blood Pressure: Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise, can help manage high blood pressure. Medication may be required in some cases.
2. Managing Diabetes: Proper diabetes management through diet and exercise can reduce stroke risk. Medications may be prescribed when necessary.
3. Quitting Smoking: Utilise available resources such as smoking cessation programs and nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking.
4. Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Adhering to a healthy weight through diet and exercise is vital to mitigate stroke risk.
5. Exercising Regularly: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week to combat physical inactivity.
6. Eating a Healthy Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting saturated and trans fats, sodium, and sugar intake. Such dietary choices can help control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight.
7. Timely interventions: Symptoms are typically underplayed by women. Particularly in rural areas, people do not immediately disclose themselves to the family or the doctors. Women are almost as likely to have a stroke as males, but because they report their symptoms later, vital time is wasted, and they cannot receive the urgent therapy that would allow for the administration of injections or mechanical devices to restore circulation.
Summing up, Dr Hosurkar quotes, “Stroke is a serious health concern for women in India and globally. Understanding the risk factors and taking preventive measures is crucial to reduce the incidence of stroke and its devastating consequences. Women should prioritise their health through regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and seeking support when needed to lower their risk of stroke and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.”