Medically Reviewed by Nicole A. Hogan, MD

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke kills more women than men in the United States and is more likely to be the first cardiovascular disease to appear. McLeod Neurologist Dr. Nicole Hogan explains the unique stroke risk factors in women and what you can do in the event of a stroke.

“Women face a higher risk of stroke and have more strokes than men. Nearly 77,000 women die each year from stroke, and one out of every five women has had a stroke at some point in her life. Women share many of the same stroke risk factors as men, but their risk is also influenced by hormones, reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth each year. Stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer.” 

There are many stroke risk factors that are unique to women, but they are all modifiable:

• High blood pressure
• migraine with aura
• atrial fibrillation
• diabetes 

When it comes to stroke, remember the acronym “BE FAST.” Any one of these sudden signs could mean a stroke, so call 911.

B – Balance: Is there loss of balance?

E – Eyes: Is vision blurred?

F – Face: Is one side of the face drooping?

A – Arms: Is there arm weakness?

S – Speech: Is speech slurred, or is it difficult to speak?

T – Time: It’s time to call 911.

Talk with your primary healthcare provider about how to lower your stroke risk.