Stroke in women: Where are we in 2015?

Abstract

Stroke is the third leading cause of mortality in women, and 60% of strokes occur in women. Given that approximately 55,000 more strokes/year occur in women compared to men, and the incidence of stroke in middle-aged women is increasing, our stroke preventive strategies are of particular importance in women. Failure to recognize that there are sex-specific stroke risk factors, and lack of research regarding sex-specific mechanisms and therapy in stroke disserves women. Recognizing the need for specific guidelines to address the growing burden of stroke in women, the AHA/ASA published stroke prevention guidelines last year, a decade after the publication of prevention of heart disease guidelines in women [1]. Lundberg and Volgman [2] review this important topic of stroke burden in women, including sex-specific risk factors. They conclude the review with the following recommendations: (1) careful follow up of pregnancy-related HTN, (2) increased attention to pre-hypertensive women to reduce their blood pressure through lifestyle changes, (3) emphasize the importance of a healthy weight, and (4) more intensive