Don’t Ignore Subtle Signs of a Stroke
STROKE KILLS TWICE AS MANY WOMEN AS BREAST CANCER EVERY YEAR.
Fatigue. Confusion. General weakness. A sudden intense headache and nausea. Are you just feeling a bit under the weather—or is it something more serious?
Symptoms of stroke in women can be much like those in men, but women can experience more subtle signs according to the American Heart Association. For example, a woman might feel general weakness, rather than weakness on one side of the body. With women making up about 60 percent of all stroke deaths in the United States, it’s important to know this isn’t predominately a man’s disease. Women can have a stroke at any age. So, the time to care is always now.
What is a Stroke?
Blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When one of these vessels is blocked by a clot or the vessel bursts, the brain does not get the blood it needs and brain cells start to quickly die. That is why immediate attention is vital. There is no cure for a stroke once it has occurred. If you think you might be having a stroke, don’t worry about the possibility of sounding a false alarm. It is more important to get proper medical attention as soon as possible.
Stroke Prevention
Steps to help avoid having a stroke are very similar to those to avoid heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, they include:
- Following a healthy diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting at least 2-1/2 hours of moderate exercise, such as walking, a week, according to the Surgeon General
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption; for men, that’s no more than two drinks a day, and for women, that’s one
Memorial has been certified as a Primary Stroke Center. We offer the best and most comprehensive stroke care on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, through our multidisciplinary team of specialists.
Learn more about Memorial’s Stroke care.