omen were the focus group on World Stroke Day (October 29) this year as they are at a higher risk of dying from the cerebrovascular disease than men, and less likely to receive acute care and rehabilitation than a man even though they respond equally well to treatment.
“Being always in the role of the caregiver, women, especially Indian homemakers, often lack support when they fall sick,” said M.A. Aleem, consultant neurologist and epileptologist, ABC Hospital, and president, Tiruchi Neuro Association.
“This is especially true in the case of strokes, because their symptoms are not easily recognisable. Unlike heart attacks, which are identified by the pain they cause, strokes are often painless, and can often go undiagnosed till much later,” he told The Hindu .
The use of birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy-related diabetes and preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in urine during pregnancy) can increase the risk of strokes in women.
According to the World Health Organisation, stroke claims 6.2 million lives each year. One in five women faced a lifetime risk of stroke while the figure is one in six for men.
“Time is of essence when spotting a stroke,” said Dr. Aleem. “Ideally, a patient should reach the hospital within three or four hours of the stroke so that clot-busting treatment can be started as soon as possible. This is crucial to bring down the post-stroke disability risk in a patient.”
Increasing obesity among women was another contributory cause of stroke, said Dr. Aleem. “Dietary changes and convenience food have led to more women becoming obese at a young age. The rise of recreational drinking or tobacco use among women is a risk factor that medical professionals have to deal with,” he said while recommending a daily diet that contains less than five grams of salt.
Fruits and vegetables with high levels of potassium, phytochemicals and dietary fibre have been proven to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
At least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week is key to lowering the risk of stroke, said Dr. Aleem.
“Exercise has a beneficial effect on body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. Women often get too caught up in the daily home and professional routine, and tend to neglect personal fitness,” he added.
Clot-busting treatment given within three or four hours of stroke can minimise the debilitation in a patient
