Stroke and women (PDF, 132 KB)
Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked and brain cells begin to die. It is sometimes called a brain attack. Stroke happens to one in five women, compared with one in six men.
Top questions about women and stroke
- How does stroke affect women differently than men?
- What should I do if I think I'm having a stroke?
- What are the symptoms of stroke in women?
- Why is it important to know my stroke risk factors?
- How can I help prevent stroke after menopause?
- What health problems during pregnancy are linked to stroke?
- Does my birth control raise my risk for stroke?
- What steps can I take to help recover from a stroke?
- Will aspirin help lower my risk for stroke?
- What is a "mini" stroke?
Stroke resources
Related information
Resources
Blog topics
The Office on Women's Health is grateful for the additional reviews by:
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke staff
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Cheryl Bushnell, M.D., M.H.S., Professor of Neurology, Director, Wake Forest Baptist Stroke Center, Wake Forest Baptist Health
All material contained on these pages are free of copyright restrictions and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.
Page last updated: May 10, 2017.
Content last reviewed: January 24, 2017.
