The Gender Effect: Strokes and Their Prevalence in Women

Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), more commonly known as strokes, occur when a heart-related problem impairs the amount of oxygen and glucose being delivered to the brain. This often leads to brain damage. Nearly one-third of all stroke survivors lose their independence because of permanent disability.

As of 2006, it was estimated that 6.4 million people suffered a stroke in this country, with women accounting for 3.9 million of that total. That equates to around 60 percent of all occurrences.

Similarly, women account for 60 percent of all stroke-related deaths. With every year that passes, it is estimated that 425,000 women will suffer strokes, which is 55,000 more incidences than men. According to a survey by the NSA and HealthyWomen, only 27 percent of women can name even two of the six primary symptoms for a stroke. That same survey showed that although strokes kill twice as many women as breast cancer every year, approximately 40 percent of women believe that breast cancer is five times more likely to occur than a stroke.

Although women have shown to be much more likely to suffer a stroke than men, nearly 70 percent of women had no idea that there was any disparity whatsoever regarding genders for stroke incidences. One of the reasons for the difference in incidences between genders is that women have a longer life expectancy than men, and strokes become more likely as age increases. However, it should be noted that men's stroke incidence rates are higher than women at younger ages.

Strokes are medical emergencies, and if any symptoms of a stroke are apparent, do not hesitate to seek medical help immediately.