How Stroke Risks Differ Between Women and Men

When it comes to strokes in women, two statistics stand out: 

1. In the United States, 1 out of 5 women between the ages of 55 and 75 will have a stroke.
2. Four out of five strokes are preventable.

We want to focus on that second number. At DeyeNAMICS, our team of neuro-optometrists helps patients recover from strokes by focusing on rehabilitating visual and balance disturbances, but we also believe prevention is the best path forward.

With that in mind, let’s explore how strokes differ between men and women, particularly when it comes to risk factors.

The Most Common Risk Factors for Stroke

Each year in the United States, nearly 800,000 people experience a stroke. Many share these primary risk factors:

• High blood pressure, which affects nearly half of American adults 
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Family history of stroke
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking

While these occur in both men and women, their degree of association — meaning the strength of the connection between the risk factor and the disease — can differ.

For women, the following risk factors have a stronger association with stroke than for men:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Atrial fibrillation
• Migraine with aura

Women with these conditions, or who are at risk for developing these conditions, should take extra precautions to prevent stroke.  This can start as a simple conversation with your primary care doctor.

Stroke Risk Factors Unique to Women

Some risk factors affect only women, placing them at higher risk for stroke. They include:

Pregnancy-Related Issues

Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia during pregnancy can raise stroke risk for women. Preterm delivery can also increase the likelihood of stroke later in life.

Hormone-Related Issues

A woman’s reproductive hormones can influence stroke risk. Research shows that women who check any of the boxes below may be more vulnerable:

• Early or late onset of menstruation
• Use of estrogen oral birth control
• Use of oral menopause hormone therapies

Some of these hormone issues can also affect trans women who use gender-affirming hormone therapies.

Longer Lifespan

On average, women live longer than men, giving them more time to develop and live with stroke risk factors.

If a Stroke Occurs

Despite your best efforts, a stroke may still happen. If it does, we’re here to help with your recovery, particularly when it comes to vision and balance issues — common challenges among stroke patients.

If you have questions about women and strokes or would like expert post-stroke care, contact us at one of our offices in Sacramento, Bellflower, or Valencia, California; Guildford, Connecticut; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; or Plano, Texas, to schedule an appointment.