A new study has found that women are most susceptible to stroke than men because of factors like early menstruation and menopause.
Stroke is a brain attack that occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off.
The brain cells are deprived of oxygen and die. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost.
According to a study published in the journal, Stroke, the condition is the third leading cause of death in women.
Researchers analysed previous studies and identified several factors that increase stroke risk in women.
Researchers concluded that the risk were highest in women who started menstruation early and reached menopause early.
It is was also high in women who have low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) and uses of birth control pills.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) is produced by the adrenal gland and is converted to oestrogen, the female sex hormone.
“Many people don’t realize that women suffer stroke more frequently than men, and mortality is much higher among women,” Kathryn Rexrode, lead researcher, explained.
“As women age, they are much more likely to have a stroke as a first manifestation of cardiovascular disease rather than heart attack.
“These women should be monitored carefully and they should be aware that they are at higher risk, and motivated to adhere to the healthiest lifestyle behaviors to decrease the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) and subsequent stroke.”
