February 6th, 2014

04:03 PM ET

Share this on:

Facebook

Twitter

Digg

del.icio.us

MySpace

StumbleUpon

Stroke: Knowing the warning signs in women

It wasn't supposed to happen to her. Just 32 and pregnant, Holly Carson woke with a crushing headache.

"It was ... like if somebody had a baseball bat taken to (my) head," says Carson. Having some medical training, she immediately suspected she was having a stroke.

At 26, med student Lauren Barnes' migraine took a turn for the worse. Then, "I had a rush of pins and needles sensation and tingling throughout the entire right side of my body," she says.

Stroke isn't just for the elderly, as Carson and Barnes can attest. Scientists have known for some time that women have some risk factors for stroke that are unique to them and others that are more commonly seen in women than men.

To make women more aware, the American Heart Association released the first guidelines for the prevention of stroke in women on Thursday. "Prevention can start when women are very young, during childbearing years," says Dr. Cheryl Bushnell, chair of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association writing group and an associate professor of neurology and stroke director at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Awareness is key, because when it comes to strokes, "time lost is brain lost," according to the AHA.

Stroke 101
A stroke is often referred to as a brain attack because, like a heart attack, it's usually caused by a clot blocking blood flow in a vessel. With stroke the blockage is in the brain, and without "food" the affected area starts to die. A small percentage of strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain from a ruptured blood vessel instead of a blockage.

Stroke recommendations unique to women:

Women have certain stroke risk factors that are unique to their sex such as pregnancy, blood pressure disorders brought on by pregnancy, oral contraceptives and postmenopausal hormone use. Many of the new guidelines focus on managing blood pressure, one of the best ways to help prevent stroke.

- High blood pressure before pregnancy
If a woman wanting to start a family has high blood pressure, it's recommended that she be considered for low-dose aspirin and possibly calcium supplements to lower the risk for blood pressure disorders during pregnancy.

- High blood pressure during pregnancy
If a pregnant woman is suffering from moderately high blood pressure, the new guidelines suggest she talk to her doctor about possible treatment. If blood pressure numbers continue to climb, women should get treated with safe and effective medicines. Some hypertension drugs are known to be dangerous to a mother-to-be and child, so consult with your doctor. After delivery, moms should continue to have their blood pressure checked regularly.

- History of preeclampsia
After getting pregnant, some women develop high blood pressure along with high protein in the urine. This disorder is called preeclampsia and between 3% to 8% of pregnancies in the United States are affected. Experts aren't sure of its cause but know it increases the chance of stroke during pregnancy and long after the baby is born. Having preeclampsia doubles the risk of stroke and quadruples the risk for high blood pressure later in life.

Because of these concerns, the new guidelines urge doctors and patients to take this condition seriously, not only by routinely monitoring blood pressure during the childbearing years and beyond, but treating other lifestyle problems early as well such as smoking, high cholesterol and obesity.

- Birth control pills
Women should be screened for high blood pressure before taking birth control pills because the combination can double the risk for stroke. If you smoke, don't take the Pill, because it also increases the likelihood of stroke.

- Hormone replacement therapy
For years doctors thought hormone replacement therapy after menopause would protect women from heart disease and stroke. That's been questioned for a decade now. These new guidelines clearly state: "Hormone replacement therapy should not be used to prevent stroke in postmenopausal women."

Risk factors more common in women:
The new guidelines also highlight health issues that are more common in women than men, such as migraines with aura (distortions in vision and hearing) and atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat.

- Migraines with aura
Women are four times more likely to have migraines than men. Rarely do they lead to stroke, but migraines with aura may be different, especially in women who also smoke. The new recommendations suggest "smokers who have migraines with aura should quit to avoid higher stroke risk."

- Irregular heartbeat
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat in the upper heart chambers and is much more common in the elderly. The condition quadruples stroke risk and is more common in women than men after age 75, which is why the AHA/ASA recommend all women over age 75 get screened for this arrhythmia.

Diabetes, depression, and emotional stress are additional stroke risk factors more common in women than men, but because treatment options are similar between the sexes, there are no new recommendations in the stroke guidelines.

Carson and Barnes are doing well today because they both recognized the signs of stroke and got help right away. A quick way to learn the warning signs is by remembering F.A.S.T.
F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to call 911

Stroke can also cause numbness in the face, arms and legs, especially on one side, problems with walking and balance, sudden confusions and problems with understanding, vision problems in one or both eyes and a sudden headache with possible vomiting.

Barnes has recovered completely and continues medical school. Carson delivered a healthy baby, but despite rehab still has some limitations. She has little use of her left arm and hand and when people stop to ask her about it she tells them her story and talks about the warning signs.

"I've allowed this to be a living message for others. A stoke didn't ruin my life - it changed it," Carson says.

soundoff (752 Responses)

울산출장

Good article! We are linking to this great post on our website. Keep up the great writing.

http://vip.cengfan6.com/goto.php?url=https://massage8beckettsxca419.shutterfly.com/34

June 11, 2021 at 11:06 | Report abuse | Reply
울산출장마사지

I would like to thank you for the efforts you've put in writing this site. I really hope to view the same high-grade content by you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own site now 😉

http://www.castagneto.eu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=1979078

June 11, 2021 at 11:13 | Report abuse | Reply
is a bridge better than an implant

I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to
do it for you? Plz reply as I'm looking to
construct my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from.
many thanks

June 11, 2021 at 14:24 | Report abuse | Reply
양산출장

I blog frequently and I seriously thank you for your information. The article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

https://pbase.com/topics/massage3pandalevel5/prenatal_shiatsu

June 12, 2021 at 00:26 | Report abuse | Reply
먹튀 검증

There's certainly a lot to learn about this subject. I like all the points you've made.

http://bezvoprosa.ru/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=edgeorange44

June 12, 2021 at 00:57 | Report abuse | Reply
대구출장안마

I truly love your site.. Great colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as Iím planning to create my very own blog and want to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Appreciate it!

https://www.nyticketdeals.com/members/anma7geesecattle1/activity/172527/

June 12, 2021 at 04:14 | Report abuse | Reply
Brock Hurley

Great post, you have pointed out some excellent points, I as well believe this is a very superb website.

https://telegra.ph/Safe-Online-Shopping-In-The-UK-06-08-2

June 12, 2021 at 08:26 | Report abuse | Reply
인천출장

Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this post plus the rest of the site is also very good.

http://ysp.jrdsj.com/artbbs/home.php?mod=space&uid=132295

June 12, 2021 at 20:35 | Report abuse | Reply
출장안마

This excellent website definitely has all the info I needed concerning this subject and didnít know who to ask.

https://dribbble.com/tablehelium67

June 13, 2021 at 00:59 | Report abuse | Reply
독골사거리역

Thank you for another great article. Where else may anybody get that kind of information in such
an ideal approach of writing? I have a presentation next week, and
I am at the search for such information.

June 13, 2021 at 02:31 | Report abuse | Reply
Johnson Ruck

I don't know about you all but I am obsessed with airplanes. I have a friend in highschool that loved airplanes, so here are some airplane related stuff I don't know about you guys but I love airplanes. I had a friend in highschool that loved airplanes, so here are some airplane related stuff https://www.airlinereporter.com/2011/05/body-scanners-have-obvious-security-gap/

http://urlm.co/g/c/f/163870

June 13, 2021 at 05:08 | Report abuse | Reply
live skor euro 2020

Yes! Finally something about prediksi bola euro.

June 13, 2021 at 07:03 | Report abuse | Reply
전주출장마사지

Good day! I simply would like to offer you a huge thumbs up for the excellent info you have here on this post. I will be returning to your site for more soon.

https://gumtreeads.com/user/profile/560488

June 13, 2021 at 07:18 | Report abuse | Reply
출장안마

May I simply say what a relief to find someone who genuinely knows what they are discussing online. You definitely know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people must look at this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you're not more popular given that you most certainly possess the gift.

https://www.nyticketdeals.com/members/anma5modembomber6/activity/164046/

June 13, 2021 at 08:55 | Report abuse | Reply
인천출장안마

You made some good points there. I checked on the web to find out more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.

http://abai-shar.mektebi.kz/user/casino6y1atlvi221

June 13, 2021 at 09:05 | Report abuse | Reply
bóng đá k cộng

Kênh Trực Tiếp đá Bóng Hôm Naylịch bóng đá c1Trên băng ghế huấn luyện, Lebanon đã bổ nhiệm Ramiro Lopez cách đây 3 tuần. Nhà nắm quân nhân viên Tây Ban Nha chủ yếu thực hiện việc trên Ý và từng có thời hạn thực hiện việc trên Kuwait.|Và NHM bóng đá Việt Nam đang đợi Minh Trí cùng đồng đội hóa giải đối thủ để tạo lợi thế mang đến trận lượt về sau đây hai ngày. Chelsea đã phải trải qua 8 phút bù giờ không thở được đảm bảo thắng lợi.

https://chiefscreolecafe.com/detail/truc-tiep-bong-da-hom-nay-u22-23913.html

June 13, 2021 at 20:01 | Report abuse | Reply
양산출장안마

You made some good points there. I checked on the net for more information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.

https://pastebin.pl/view/2bf52bf9

June 14, 2021 at 03:00 | Report abuse | Reply
창원출장마사지

You're so interesting! I don't think I have read through something like this before. So great to discover someone with a few unique thoughts on this topic. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This site is one thing that is required on the web, someone with some originality!

http://www.pearltrees.com/halldime92

June 14, 2021 at 07:38 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼사이트

You're so interesting! I do not think I've read through anything like that before. So great to discover someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that is required on the web, someone with some originality!

https://www.ted.com/profiles/27803544

June 14, 2021 at 13:15 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼전용사이트

I absolutely love your site.. Great colors & theme. Did you create this web site yourself? Please reply back as Iím hoping to create my own site and would like to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Thanks!

http://www.groovyfreeads.com/user/profile/474005

June 14, 2021 at 16:12 | Report abuse | Reply
구미출장

I blog quite often and I really appreciate your information. Your article has really peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your Feed too.

https://pastebin.fun/ZEcwolYsHx

June 14, 2021 at 16:19 | Report abuse | Reply
경주출장

Can I simply say what a comfort to find someone who truly knows what they are discussing on the net. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people should read this and understand this side of your story. I can't believe you aren't more popular given that you certainly have the gift.

https://bracevan53.tumblr.com/post/649738040708857856/popular-massage-therapies-today

June 14, 2021 at 16:31 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼사이트

You're so interesting! I do not suppose I've read through anything like that before. So nice to find another person with some unique thoughts on this subject. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is something that is required on the internet, someone with a little originality!

http://www.satechhelp.co.za/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=stoolsing06

June 14, 2021 at 19:03 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼 전용 사이트

bookmarked!!, I love your site!

https://edukite.org/members/gambling5fightjames31/activity/1162923/

June 14, 2021 at 19:04 | Report abuse | Reply
เกมยิงปลา

There are also fish items in the aquarium. that you can easily kill it to death Only one shot is guaranteed. In addition to the slot games that you have already played You will also have fun shooting fish. that can choose a betting room or will play in private mode by setting up unlimited single player rooms Join in the fun with friends, add fun, apply for a fish shooting game, serve you 24 hours a day.

https://live222th.com/

June 15, 2021 at 00:55 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼사이트

I was able to find good info from your articles.

http://kanalim13.info/user/stoolroom39/

June 15, 2021 at 02:32 | Report abuse | Reply
Valery Millich

Have you ever heard of second life (sl for short). It is basically a game where you can do anything you want. Second life is literally my second life (pun intended lol). If you want to see more you can see these Second Life authors and blogs

http://myvedana.blogspot.com/2007/06/highlights.html?m=0

June 15, 2021 at 04:24 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼전용사이트

After I originally commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment. There has to be a means you are able to remove me from that service? Thank you!

https://cults3d.com/fr/utilisateurs/radiolion99

June 15, 2021 at 07:17 | Report abuse | Reply
click to read more

These are genuinely impressive ideas in regarding blogging. You have touched some good factors here. Any way keep up wrinting.|

https://www.posts123.com/post/2267286/turn-your-home-decor-into-home-accents

June 15, 2021 at 08:23 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼 최상위 사이트

Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues. It was truly informative. Your website is useful. Many thanks for sharing!

https://www.longisland.com/profile/headlist51

June 15, 2021 at 08:37 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼사이트

When I initially commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I get four emails with the exact same comment. There has to be a means you are able to remove me from that service? Thank you!

http://www.talktoislam.com/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=whorlart16

June 15, 2021 at 09:29 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼사이트

Very nice write-up. I absolutely appreciate this website. Stick with it!

https://www.transtats.bts.gov/exit.asp?url=https://baccarat3domaincause68.bravejournal.net/post/2021/05/01/Selecting-an-Ideal-Location-For-Your-Next-Holiday

June 15, 2021 at 12:01 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼사이트

Having read this I thought it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

http://www.mengrj.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=3173

June 15, 2021 at 13:22 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼 전용 사이트

A motivating discussion is worth comment. I do think that you ought to publish more about this subject matter, it might not be a taboo matter but typically people do not discuss such issues. To the next! Cheers!!

http://drmovie.ru/user/animebow86/

June 15, 2021 at 14:34 | Report abuse | Reply
김해출장

You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the best sites on the internet. I'm going to highly recommend this website!

https://iway.rosemont.edu/ICS/Campus_Life/Campus_Groups/Organization_of_African_American_Students/Home.jnz?portlet=Discussion_Board&screen=PostView&screenType=change&id=586428c6-6bb3-40a6-b048-3369c59c82b5

June 15, 2021 at 16:33 | Report abuse | Reply
진주출장마사지

Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you so much, However I am encountering problems with your RSS. I donít know why I cannot subscribe to it. Is there anyone else getting identical RSS problems? Anyone that knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

https://blogfreely.net/femalelocust6/is-massage-therapy-effective-for-treating-lower-back-pain

June 16, 2021 at 00:23 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼 최상위 사이트

After looking over a number of the articles on your web site, I truly like your way of writing a blog. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my website as well and tell me what you think.

https://opensourcebridge.science/wiki/Online_Gambling_Laws_What_Exactly_Are_The_Leading_Forms_Of_Illegal_Gambling

June 16, 2021 at 00:59 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼 최상위 사이트

This is a topic that's close to my heart... Thank you! Exactly where are your contact details though?

http://www.farmoreawesome.com/forums/profile/piscesport66

June 16, 2021 at 02:03 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼 사이트

Good article. I will be going through some of these issues as well..

https://blip.fm/atticsing76

June 16, 2021 at 03:12 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼 전용 사이트

Excellent post. I am experiencing many of these issues as well..

http://sy714.net/home.php?mod=space&uid=121931

June 16, 2021 at 07:20 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼 사이트

Excellent blog post. I definitely appreciate this website. Thanks!

http://99nfft.com/space-uid-258885.html

June 16, 2021 at 09:09 | Report abuse | Reply
경산출장

Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I've read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I'll just book mark this page.

http://fluencyuniversity.com/members/weekcarrot05/activity/596635/

June 16, 2021 at 09:30 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼 전용 사이트

Excellent blog post. I certainly appreciate this website. Continue the good work!

https://www.spreaker.com/user/14454637

June 16, 2021 at 09:54 | Report abuse | Reply
truyện đêm khuya cao gió cho chị họ

Xoilac Tv Thẳng Soccerthvl1 trực tiếp hôm nayNếu cứ chơi như cách vừa tiêu diệt Everton tới 3-1 bên trên sảnh quý khách hàng

https://murraystivoli.com/detail/ibongda-tv-94777.html

June 16, 2021 at 10:02 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼 사이트

Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this article plus the rest of the site is extremely good.

http://nanzhen.net/home.php?mod=space&uid=822415

June 16, 2021 at 10:48 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼사이트

Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you, However I am experiencing problems with your RSS. I donít understand why I can't subscribe to it. Is there anyone else having the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx!!

http://bbs.tanwanly.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=627883

June 16, 2021 at 12:47 | Report abuse | Reply
거제출장안마

Hello there! This blog post could not be written any better! Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I will send this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. Many thanks for sharing!

http://sc.sie.gov.hk/TuniS/k-anma.com/geoje/

June 16, 2021 at 14:04 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼 최상위 사이트

You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the best websites on the internet. I most certainly will recommend this blog!

http://www.pearltrees.com/kenyabangle71

June 16, 2021 at 14:10 | Report abuse | Reply
부산출장마사지

I was excited to uncover this great site. I need to to thank you for your time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to check out new things on your web site.

https://soundatom41.werite.net/post/2021/04/23/Traditional-Chinese-Massage-a-Fast-Overview

June 16, 2021 at 16:10 | Report abuse | Reply
파워볼전용사이트

I used to be able to find good information from your articles.

https://articlescad.com/resistance-contrary-to-the-state-trent-et-quarante-1299054.html

June 16, 2021 at 20:11 | Report abuse | Reply

« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Next »

Stroke: Knowing the warning signs in women

soundoff (752 Responses)

Leave a Reply to 출장안마