Strokes among younger women on the rise

According to a study done by Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center in Michigan, USA, strokes kill twice as many women compared to breast cancer each year.

While everyone is aware of strokes, the misconception that it only affects older adults has resulted in 13 per cent of stroke patients being misdiagnosed as the symptoms are often overlooked in younger people.

Here are a few tips on how to minimise your risk of having a stroke, and in the event that you do have a stroke, minimise the after effects:

• Know the signs. The acronym FAST is good to remember: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call a doctor

• Be careful of certain medications – one of the biggest culprits is hormonal birth control pills, as this increase your risk of blood clots

• Do not ignore neck pain

• Keep record of your blood pressure and cholesterol

• Follow a heart-friendly diet

A stroke is one of the top five diagnoses women do not expect, followed by heart attack, colorectal cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and skin cancer.

See also:

•OTC medicines just as dangerous as street drugs

•Breast cancer drug price prevents access for women in SA

•Unsung heroes of health safety