Survey reveals need for educating U.S. women about stroke symptoms

May 5 2010

Although more than 425,000 women suffer from stroke each year, 55,000 more than men, a new survey showed that women may be dramatically underestimating their risk of this medical emergency, the third leading cause of death in the United States. Only 27 percent of women who were surveyed could name more than two of the six primary stroke symptoms.  Moreover, seven out of 10 women who were surveyed said they are not aware they are more likely than men to have a stroke, and were not at all or only somewhat knowledgeable about risk factors.

The survey was commissioned by HealthyWomen (HW), the nation's leading independent health information source for women, in partnership with National Stroke Association (NSA) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).

"The results of this survey underscore what we see too often with women when it comes to dealing with their unique health issues. As they put the health of family members and everyone else first, they often underestimate their own risks and ignore warning signs of serious health problems like stroke," said Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, Executive Director of HealthyWomen. "We want to educate women and help empower them to take charge of their health so they not only know how to reduce their risks, but can recognize the tell-tale signs of stroke."

Knowing the six primary symptoms of a stroke is crucial. They include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face or facial drooping
• Sudden numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

"Women are twice as likely to die from stroke as breast cancer, however women in the survey believed breast cancer is five times more prevalent than stroke," said James Baranski, Chief Executive Officer of National Stroke Association. "Furthermore, the survey revealed that 40 percent of women were only somewhat or not all concerned about experiencing a stroke in their lifetime. The fact is, stroke knows no gender and can happen at any age."

The NSA recommends the F.A.S.T. test as a quick screening tool that can help you identify stroke symptoms:

• Face - Ask the Person to Smile. Does One Side of the Face Droop?
• Arms - Ask the Person to Raise Both Arms. Does One Arm Drift Downward?
• Speech  - Ask the Person to Repeat a Simple Sentence. Are the Words Slurred? Can They Repeat the Sentence Correctly?
• Time - If the Person shows Any of These Symptoms, Time Is Important. Call 911 or Get to the Hospital. Brain cells Are Dying.

Educational efforts about understanding stroke and what to do if you experience one may be having an impact. In the survey, 60 percent of women could identify what causes an ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is clogged by a blood clot or other obstruction. Because of this blockage, part of the brain does not receive the blood and oxygen it needs. Eighty-six percent of women knew to call 9-1-1 if they suspected that they or someone near them is experiencing a stroke.

"If you experience any of the symptoms of a stroke, it is imperative to call 9-1-1 so you receive immediate medical attention, even if the symptoms go away," said Angela Gardner, M.D. President of the American College of Emergency Physicians. "Time equals brain; for every minute the brain is deprived of oxygen, it may lose up to 1.9 million brain cells. If you are having even one of the symptoms of stroke, come to the emergency department so we can evaluate and treat you."

SOURCE HealthyWomen