Everyone is at risk for a stroke- but we know they can be deadlier for women and some of the risk factors are unique.
And so today the American Heart Association just issued new recommendations with a focus on women.
Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke in the U.S. but for women the risk of stroke is influenced by pregnancy, hormones and age
"You have the childbearing years, perimenopausal, post-menopausal, and that just modifies those already traditional risk-factors," said Dolora Wisco with Cleveland Clinic.
We know birth control pills, smoking and high blood pressure put you more at risk for stroke. So the new guidelines recommend:
Stroke specialists says women need to add these risk factors to those you may already have.
"If you have high blood pressure, you know you have diabetes, you have cholesterol, you're smoking- those are major risk factors that you need to be paying attention to if you're a female," adds Wisco.
Whether you are female or male--a quick reminder of the signs that you or a loved one might be having a stroke--
Just remember fast. If you have "F" face drooping, "A" -arm weakness, or "S" -speech difficulty then it's time time to call 911fast.
The faster you call the less brain damage you will have. LINK: http://www.strokeassociation.org
