Women are inherently more at risk for stroke than men are. Unfortunately, women are also at a greater risk for death due to stroke. Sometimes stroke is the very first sign a woman has of being affected by a cardiovascular disease. Recently, scientists conducted a study to determine just what puts women at greater risk than men, and through the study, they pinpointed factors that put some women more at risk than others.
Study Results
55,000 more American women than men suffer from strokes. Stroke is also the number one cause of disability and the number three cause of death among women. During the course of the study, the researchers discovered that certain women are more susceptible to stroke than others, such as:
- Women who began menstruating before they were 10.
- Women who went into menopause before age 45.
- Women who used birth control pills.
- Women with low levels of a hormone called DHEAS.
- Women who had pregnancy complications, like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.
Although the researchers said that having one or more of these additional risk factors does not guarantee that a woman will have a stroke, they are additional risks that doctors should be aware of.
Reducing Stroke Risk
The good news is that there are many ways you can help your senior relative to decrease her risk of stroke. Reducing stroke risk involves making lifestyle changes, such as:
- Healthy Diet: When older adults eat a diet that conforms to the recommendations for heart healthy eating, they can reduce risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.
- Quit Smoking: Cigarettes contain a lot of toxic substances, and have been linked to many health conditions, including an increased risk of stroke.
- Exercise: Seniors should try to get some physical activity in every day. Exercise can help control weight and blood pressure. Aim for about 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
- Keep Track of Blood Pressure: There are usually no symptoms associated with blood pressure, so the senior should have their blood pressure checked. If it is high, they need to follow their doctors recommendations to bring it back under control.
One way to help an older adult to reduce their stroke risk factors is to hire a senior care provider. A senior care provider can assist with preparing healthy meals. They can also encourage the older adult to quit smoking and exercise. If needed, a senior care provider can go for walks with them and offer a steadying arm.
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20180208/women-who-are-most-at-risk-of-stroke
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Burnsville, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
