Women Have Higher Lifetime Risk for Stroke Than Men

Stroke is the leading cause of death in women, who also have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men.

According to board-certified cardiologist Dawn Warner Kershner, D.O., MPH, of The Heart Center at Mercy, risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and having a sedentary lifestyle.

Research shows women between the ages of 20 and 39 are twice as likely to have a stroke compared to men. Women over 85 have the highest risk.

Dr. Kershner explained some of the risk factors women should track, saying: "They should be making sure they know what their blood pressure is so that if it's high, it's treated. Know what your cholesterol value is; if it's high, it needs to be treated. Watch your weight, make sure your (body-mass index) is normal. Watch what you're eating, what kind of foods you're taking in on a daily basis, and (it's) extremely important be active," Dr. Kershner said.

Strokes are mostly preventable—even 15 to 20 minutes of brisk walking a day can help with some of the risk factors.

View Mercy cardiologist Dr. Dawn Kershner’s interview regarding women and risk of stroke.