Women Unaware of the Warning Signs of a Stroke

On average in this country it takes a woman 45 minutes longer to seek care for a heart attack or stroke. A new online survey may help explain why…

 Only one in four women aged 25 to 75 could name at least 2 symptoms of a stroke.

Women surveyed weren’t aware that women suffer more strokes than men.

One-quarter of the women surveyed were unaware that stroke could happen at any age.

Black and Hispanic women knew fewer facts about stroke than white women.

The main symptoms of a stroke are:

• Sudden difficulty speaking, understanding speech, or confusion
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the limbs, particularly on one side
• Sudden facial drooping or numbness and weakness on one side of the face
• Sudden balance problems, dizziness or trouble walking
• Sudden difficulty seeing with one or both eyes
• Sudden severe headache (the worst headache you’ve ever had in your life)

When someone has a stroke they may only experience one or two of these symptoms or may experience several symptoms depending on the location of the brain being affected.  A stroke is also called a “Brain Attack” so just like a heart attack you need to get to the hospital as quickly as possible in order to prevent permanent damage. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms call 911 and get to the hospital as quickly as possible!

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of stroke. Remember high blood pressure is called the silent killer because most people do not have any symptoms when their blood pressure is elevated. The only way to know for sure that your blood pressure is elevated is to get it checked on a regular basis.  Just because you are taking blood pressure medications does not mean your blood pressure is controlled. Goal blood pressure numbers for men and women are less than 120/80. If you do not know your blood pressure – what are you waiting for get it checked today.

For more heart healthy information please visit www.heart-strong.com

This online-only survey included 2,000 women in the United States, and was undertaken on behalf of HealthyWomen in conjunction with the American College of Emergency Physicians and National Stroke Association.