Incidence of Stroke Rising in Middle-Aged Women

A new study indicates that the incidence of stroke among middle-age women has tripled in recent years. Researchers blame this alarming trend on the obesity epidemic. On the average, women's waistlines are nearly two inches larger than they were only a decade ago, and blood sugar levels are higher.

The study, performed at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, used statistics from the National Health and Nutrition surveys to reach this conclusion. Other traditional risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or heart disease did not vary enough between the most recent survey and that of a decade ago to account for the increase in strokes. Women in the recent survey were more likely to be taking medications to control high blood pressure and cholesterol than they were a decade ago. Abdominal obesity seems to be the determining factor, and the increase was larger in women than it was in men in the most recent survey.

Traditionally, middle-aged men have been at greater risk for stroke than middle-age women. About five to 10 years after menopause, the incidence of stroke among women begins to rise, and while about 57% of strokes occur in men, women are more likely to die from a stroke than men are.

Symptoms of Stroke

Symptoms appear suddenly, caused by the interruption of blood flow to a portion of the brain, which becomes starved for oxygen. Immediate emergency medical intervention is necessary to prevent or reduce permanent damage as a result of stroke. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of stroke symptoms and treatment is often delayed.

If you are with someone who experiences any of the following symptoms call 911 immediately and follow the ABC's of first aid. Stroke victims often have difficulty breathing, so pay particular attention to the airway, and raise the victim's head to decrease pressure on the brain while you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

A weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body

Slurred speech or an inability to speak or understand spoken language

Unexplained dizziness or loss of coordination and balance, especially if accompanied by other symptoms

Difficulty swallowing

An inability to recognize familiar objects

Double vision, loss of vision, or other vision disturbances, especially if it occurs only in one eye

An unusually severe headache with no apparent cause

Loss of consciousness

A stroke or suspected stroke is a true medical emergency, and the only approved medication for stroke must begin within three hours of the onset of the stroke to improve the patient's outcome. Anyone who has sudden neurological or behavioral changes should seek immediate medical assistance.