Women and stroke: Survey finds lack of awareness on specific risks, symptoms

Columbus, OH – Most women are unaware of female-specific stroke risk factors and symptoms, according to the results of a survey from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Only 11 percent of women correctly identified pregnancy, lupus, migraine headaches, and oral contraception or hormone replacement therapy as possible stroke risks for females. Ten percent of women knew that hiccups combined with abnormal chest pain represented a possible early warning sign for stroke. The most common signs for stroke include face drooping, arm weakness and problems with speech.

Ohio State has developed a stroke risk scorecard to help individuals determine whether they are at high, medium or low risk for the disease.

Dr. Diana Greene-Chandos, a neurologist and director of neuroscience critical care at the Wexner Medical Center, said women need to be able to recognize symptoms and receive treatment right away.

“We have a ways to go when it comes to educating women about stroke and their unique risk factors,” Greene-Chandos said in a press release.