home
RSS
Stroke: Knowing the warning signs in women
February 6th, 2014
04:03 PM ET

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.

 Post by:
Filed under: Conditions • Living Well • Stroke • Women's Health
Next entry »
« Previous entry
soundoff (752 Responses)
  1. Xuan Korb

    you possess a great weblog here! do you need to have invite posts in my small weblog?

    http://elink.io/971134d

    May 8, 2021 at 10:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. 카지노사이트

    Excellent web site. Lots of helpful info here.
    I'm sending it to several buddies ans also sharing in delicious.
    And naturally, thanks in your effort!

    May 9, 2021 at 18:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. 먹튀검증

    Hello there, I believe your website may be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it's got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, wonderful site!

    https://pandabutane90.mystrikingly.com/blog/

    May 10, 2021 at 02:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. 먹튀검증커뮤니티

    I could not resist commenting. Very well written!

    https://firsturl.de/H96dd20

    May 10, 2021 at 03:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. 먹튀

    Saved as a favorite, I love your website!

    https://csgowfire.ru/user/casino5d0yiqef685

    May 10, 2021 at 10:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Leopoldo Vala

    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 articles and blogs

    http://thisteachinglife.blogspot.com/2004_01_01_archive.html

    May 11, 2021 at 03:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. 먹튀

    This website truly has all the information I wanted about this subject and didnít know who to ask.

    http://pandora.nla.gov.au/external.html?link=https://casino1cancause69.wordpress.com/2021/03/13/how-to-win-with-chuck-a-luck/

    May 11, 2021 at 08:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. data togel china

    Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to
    no backup. Do you have any solutions to protect
    against hackers?

    Also visit my web site – data togel china

    May 11, 2021 at 19:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. no copyright sound

    Amazing issues here. I am very glad to see your article.
    Thank you a lot and I'm taking a look ahead to contact
    you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?

    May 12, 2021 at 00:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Berry Bartow

    This was great! I would like you to clean up all this spam though

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/yusuf-hanafy-82493b183

    May 12, 2021 at 04:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. discuss

    Good day! This is my first visit to your blog!
    We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.
    Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done
    a marvellous job!

    May 12, 2021 at 08:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. 먹튀검증

    Hi, I do think this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will return yet again since i have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

    http://radshir.com/list/index.php?subaction=userinfo&user=closetcod06

    May 12, 2021 at 12:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Movie

    You ought to take part inn a contest for one of the mosat useful
    sites on the internet. I am going to recommend thi web site!

    May 13, 2021 at 15:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. Melbourne Logo Design

    This piece of writing is actually a fastidious one it helps
    new net users, who are wishing for blogging.

    May 13, 2021 at 18:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. 메이저사이트

    After looking into a number of the blog articles on your web site, I honestly like your technique of writing a blog. I book marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Please visit my web site as well and let me know your opinion.

    http://rd.am/www.crystalxp.net/redirect.php?url=https://totositeheaven.com/

    May 13, 2021 at 19:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. 토토사이트

    You have made some good points there. I looked on the web for additional information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.

    https://express.yudu.com/profile/1552578/b5lyoxx020

    May 14, 2021 at 04:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. stornobrzinol

    I have been examinating out some of your posts and i must say nice stuff. I will definitely bookmark your site.

    http://www.stornobrzinol.com/

    May 14, 2021 at 15:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. 토토사이트

    The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesn't disappoint me just as much as this particular one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read, nonetheless I really believed you'd have something helpful to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you could possibly fix if you were not too busy searching for attention.

    https://blogfreely.net/gambling9i7fgbjo640/casino-featureswhen-you-visit-a-casino-nowadays-youand-39-ll-probably-notice

    May 14, 2021 at 17:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. 먹튀검증

    This website definitely has all the information I wanted about this subject and didnít know who to ask.

    https://zenwriting.net/casino4thronehope2/online-casino-gambling

    May 14, 2021 at 21:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. current affairs

    I'm impressed, I have to admit. Rareloy do Icome across a blog that's equally educative annd amusing, andd without a
    doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something tht
    too few meen and women are speaking intelligebtly about.
    I'm very happy I came across this in mmy huint for something regarding this.

    May 15, 2021 at 00:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. 먹튀사이트

    Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS. I donít know the reason why I cannot join it. Is there anybody else getting identical RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

    https://www.openlearning.com/u/casino1israelmallet05/blog/WhyIsItImportantToPerformFanTanAtACasino

    May 15, 2021 at 12:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Messianic Worship Music

    Hi, I think your blog might be having browser
    compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Opera,
    it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it
    has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, very good blog!

    My blog; Messianic Worship Music

    May 16, 2021 at 04:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. avanafil

    avanafil pill avanafil vs cialis

    May 16, 2021 at 05:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. stornobrzinol

    Hi! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form? I'm using the same blog platform as yours and I'm having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!

    http://www.stornobrzinol.com/

    May 16, 2021 at 07:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. html5 games free online

    It's great that you are getting thoughts from this article as well as from our argument made at this
    time.

    My website: html5 games free online

    May 16, 2021 at 12:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. 사설토토

    When I originally left a comment I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I get 4 emails with the exact same comment. There has to be an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!

    http://sigha.tuna.be/exlink.php?url=https://totositeheaven.com/

    May 16, 2021 at 13:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. 먹튀검증업체

    I like it when folks get together and share thoughts. Great website, stick with it!

    http://wert-tools.ru/user/lentilcrib82/

    May 16, 2021 at 15:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Wilfred Sarks

    I don't know about you people but I infatuated 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/2010/01/video-1965-eastern-airlines-commercial/

    http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs151/1111846961938/archive/1119161431892.html

    May 16, 2021 at 17:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Gilberto Niedzwiecki

    Have you ever heard of second life (sl for short). It is basically a online 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 articles and blogs

    http://adolit.blogspot.com/2005/05/whats-in-name.html

    May 17, 2021 at 08:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. 먹튀검증

    Aw, this was a really nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to produce a superb articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I procrastinate a lot and never manage to get anything done.

    http://www.webclap.com/php/jump.php?url=http://casino1knoxjxfo976.cavandoragh.org/10-inspirational-graphics-about-meogtwigeomjeung

    May 17, 2021 at 12:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. 먹튀검증

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

    https://clashofcryptos.trade/wiki/Suggestions_about_Playing_Round_Craps

    May 17, 2021 at 19:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. Drucilla Derusha

    I don't know about you people but I love airplanes. I have a friend in highschool that loves 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/2009/12/airline-livery-of-the-week-klm-retro-livery/

    http://www.tulalipnews.com/wp/page/581/

    May 18, 2021 at 03:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. 먹튀검증

    Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a very good articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I hesitate a lot and don't manage to get anything done.

    https://botdb.win/wiki/The_Simple_Poker_Technique_to_be_able_to_Win_Hands_at_Poker

    May 18, 2021 at 10:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. HD影片

    I'm gone to tell my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this webpage on regular basis to take
    updated from hottest gossip.

    May 18, 2021 at 18:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. Edmundo Schirrmacher

    I don't know about you people but I am obsessed with airplanes. I had 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/2010/09/video-ilyushin-il-96-showing-off/

    http://www.washingtonbids.us/washington-contractors/naics-712110-Museums.htm

    May 19, 2021 at 05:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. 먹튀검증

    I couldnít resist commenting. Very well written!

    https://visual.ly/users/jenidexzib/portfolio

    May 19, 2021 at 05:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Check out this great CBD Lube

    Love the way you cover this topic.

    https://philadelphiaweekly.com/10-best-cbd-lubes-to-buy-in-2021/

    May 19, 2021 at 05:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. 먹튀

    Spot on with this write-up, I actually believe this website needs a lot more attention. Iíll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the info!

    https://www.blackplanet.com/perchronald10/message/23247956

    May 19, 2021 at 15:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. CBD oil for Dogs

    You have actually covered this subject properly.

    https://www.sfgate.com/cannabis-paid/article/best-cbd-oil-for-dogs-15812674.php

    May 19, 2021 at 22:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. Farah Bennafield

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

    http://everydayliteracies.blogspot.com/2008/11/camstudio.html

    May 20, 2021 at 04:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. 먹튀사이트

    I don t have the time for the time being to completely read through your web site but I've bookmarked it in addition to insert your RSS feeds.

    https://www.storeboard.com/blogs/business-opportunities/blackjack-basic-technique/4775681

    May 20, 2021 at 07:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. 먹튀검증

    This site was... how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something that helped me. Kudos!

    http://bbs.dnmso.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=448386

    May 20, 2021 at 07:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. 메이저사이트

    I blog quite often and I genuinely appreciate your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your website and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.

    https://forums.bestbuy.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/1156671

    May 20, 2021 at 16:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Raphael Poree

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

    http://myvedana.blogspot.com/2013/11/placed-resources.html?showComment=1467097972132&m=0

    May 21, 2021 at 02:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. satta king

    Hey! I realize this is sort of off-topic however I had to ask.
    Does operating a well-established website like yours require a lot of work?
    I am completely new to operating a blog but I do write in my journal
    daily. I'd like to start a blog so I can easily share my experience and
    thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any recommendations or tips for new aspiring blog owners.
    Appreciate it!

    May 21, 2021 at 04:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. 사설토토

    You ought to take part in a contest for one of the most useful blogs on the web. I am going to recommend this website!

    https://knowyourmeme.com/users/a1phlps408

    May 21, 2021 at 05:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. 먹튀검증사이트

    Having read this I thought it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this information together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

    http://opensocialfactory.com/story6391099/increase-your-chances-of-winning-in-the-casino-simply-by-participating-in-at-the-online-casino

    May 21, 2021 at 06:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. combigan

    combigan generic prices combigan generic prices

    May 21, 2021 at 07:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. shanbao crusher parts

    Leading Specialty Steel Plate Processing Service Center. Request A Quote Today! ASME Certified Distributor Of Abrasion Resistant Steel Plates.

    http://giannaereyes.mee.nu/which_factors_effort_cone_crusher_liners_cover_life

    May 21, 2021 at 16:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. playerbola.xyz

    Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist
    with Search Engine Optimization? I'm trying to
    get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I'm not seeing very good gains.
    If you know of any please share. Appreciate it!

    May 21, 2021 at 19:59 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Leave a Reply to honey collector dab

Click here to cancel reply.

 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Next entry »
« Previous entry
Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.