Dennis P. McKenna, MD President and Chief Executive Officer | Albany Medical Health System
Dennis P. McKenna, MD President and Chief Executive Officer | Albany Medical Health System
New guidelines from the American Stroke Association highlight specific stroke risks faced by women, emphasizing unique factors such as pregnancy complications and early menopause. Dr. Alexandra Paul, a neurosurgeon at Albany Medical Center, noted that “stroke risk factors are not identical for males and females.” The guidelines advocate for an individualized approach to assessing stroke risk, considering a patient's overall health and lifestyle.
Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a clot or burst vessel, leading to potential brain damage and disability. In the U.S., 610,000 individuals experience their first stroke annually. Notably, one in five women will have a stroke in her lifetime.
Preventing initial strokes is vital since "damage to blood vessels leading up to a stroke can take place over five to 10 years," explained Dr. Paul. She emphasized that "it is much easier to prevent a patient from having a stroke than trying to reverse the damage."
Pregnant women face three times higher risk of stroke compared to non-pregnant peers of the same age, according to Dr. Paul. High blood pressure management during pregnancy can mitigate this risk. Other conditions like endometriosis and early onset menopause also elevate women's stroke risk.
The new guidelines urge healthcare professionals to screen patients for high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and obesity while promoting healthy behaviors outlined in the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8.
The Mediterranean diet is recommended alongside acknowledging social determinants of health such as economic stability and neighborhood conditions that may impact one's ability to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Furthermore, there is strong evidence supporting GLP-1 drugs for managing Type 2 diabetes and weight loss while reducing cardiovascular disease risks.
“It’s all about weighing the risks and benefits,” stated Dr. Paul regarding preventive strategies tailored for individual needs.
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