Stroke Risk for Women

What is a stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.

This prevents brain cells from getting oxygen and other nutrients, causing them to die.

• 1 in 5 women will have a stroke.

• Stroke is:

• The No. 3 cause of death for women overall.

• The No. 1 cause of death for Black women.

• The No. 3 cause of death for Hispanic women.

Stroke warning signs

The sooner a stroke is caught, the better your chances of surviving and healing.

Remember B.E.F.A.S.T. to help you spot the signs.

B alance problems and dizziness

E ye problems like blurred vision or trouble seeing out of one or both eyes

F ace drooping or numbness on one side

A rm numbness or weakness in one arm

S peech problems like slurring or trouble getting words out

T ime to call 911 if you have any of these symptoms — even if they go away

Stroke risk factors

You may be more likely to have a stroke:

• If you are pregnant.

• Stroke risk is 3x higher for pregnant and postpartum people

• Risk is highest in the third trimester and the first 6 weeks after delivery

• If you had preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)

• Women who had preeclampsia are 3x more likely to have a stroke later in life

• If you take oral contraceptives with higher estrogen levels or the birth control shot

• Low-dose estrogen or progestin-only birth control has little to no increased risk

• If you take certain types of hormone therapy (HT) after the age of 60

• Using transdermal estradiol (patch or gel) or lower-dose estrogen with progesterone lowers the risk for stroke

• If you have migraine with aura, especially if you smoke or take birth control

• This type of migraine may slightly raise your risk of stroke

• If you have atrial fibrillation (Afib), a type of irregular heart rhythm

• People with Afib are 3-5x times more likely to have a stroke

• If you have high blood pressure

• High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke

Lowering your risk

Good news! Up to 8 out of 10 strokes are preventable. To lower your risk:

• Don’t smoke, or find help quitting.

• Watch your diet. Try to eat less red meat and processed foods and get plenty of fiber from fruits and veggies.

• If you have high blood pressure, ask your healthcare provider (HCP) about ways to lower it.

• Move your body regularly. Just 30 minutes, 5 days a week can cut stroke risk by ¼.

To learn more about strokes and whether you’re at risk, talk to your HCP.

Resources

How to Quit Smoking

This educational resource was created with support from Merck and Novartis.