By zp7op | Contributor
It may not be widely recognized that women encounter specific risk factors for stroke throughout their lives. Factors such as pregnancy, preeclampsia, and ongoing stress can heighten the likelihood of developing high blood pressure, which is a primary contributor to strokes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, rank as the leading cause of death among women, with 1 in 5 women experiencing a stroke. However, a significant number of strokes can be avoided.
By educating yourself about your risk factors, you can take steps to lower your stroke risk and enhance your quality of life. Begin managing your stroke risk with these recommendations from the American Stroke Association, part of the American Heart Association:
Check Your Blood Pressure
The first action you can take to decrease your stroke risk is to be aware of your blood pressure and maintain it within a healthy range. High blood pressure is the most preventable cause of stroke, as highlighted by the American Heart Association.
To accurately know your blood pressure, it’s advisable to have it checked at least once annually by a healthcare provider and to routinely monitor it at home. Discuss your readings with your doctor. Generally, a normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg or lower.
Besides regular monitoring of blood pressure, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, eating a balanced diet, and minimizing or avoiding alcohol and tobacco can also contribute to blood pressure control. If high blood pressure develops, collaborate with a healthcare professional to create a management plan.
Prepare for Pregnancy
High blood pressure during pregnancy is becoming more prevalent in the U.S., as noted by the CDC, with conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and blood clots during pregnancy raising the risk of stroke during and shortly after pregnancy.
Managing high blood pressure before conception facilitates the health of both you and your baby during and after pregnancy. Your health during pregnancy can also impact the long-term health of you and your child. If you are planning to become pregnant or are currently expecting, it’s crucial to regularly monitor your blood pressure.
Prioritize Your Mental Health
While some stress is expected, chronic stress is detrimental to health. Long-term stress might elevate blood pressure and lead to unhealthy choices, increasing the risk of stroke.
The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America 2020 survey identified the primary sources of stress as financial issues, job responsibilities, family duties, and health concerns. Managing stress effectively, alongside blood pressure, can significantly enhance your overall health and wellness. Dedicate time each day to your well-being, whether it’s enjoying music, meditating, or taking a walk.
Recognize the Symptoms
Stroke can affect anyone, regardless of age. Quick treatment can significantly reduce the long-lasting effects of a stroke and may even save lives. Learn to identify a stroke using the F.A.S.T. method:
- Face drooping – Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?
- Arm weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech difficulty – Is their speech slurred? Can they not speak, or is their speech hard to understand? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence like “The sky is blue.”
- Time to call 911 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if they seem to go away, call 911 and get to a hospital immediately. Note the time to determine when the first symptoms appeared.
Consult your doctor about how to enhance your well-being and reduce stroke risk. For more wellness guidance, visit stroke.org.
Editor’s Note: This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not constitute medical or other professional guidance.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
