Why strokes in women are sometimes missed—and the symptoms behind it
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Not every medical emergency makes itself known in the same way, with some conditions announcing themselves loudly while others unfold far more quietly.
For certain people, the signs appear clear and unmistakable, while for others, they are subtle, confusing, and easy to brush off as something minor like fatigue or stress.
This is especially concerning with one of the nation’s leading causes of lasting disability and premature death, which experts warn can look very different in women and is often overlooked until it is too late.
About 795,000 Americans experience a stroke each year, which is about one every 40 seconds, according to federal health data.
Strokes occur when oxygen and nutrients are cut off from the brain, either from a clot or a burst blood vessel.
Women face higher odds than men, partly due to longer life expectancy, but also because of unique risk factors like pregnancy, menopause, and certain hormone therapies.
Estrogen decline, for example, can influence cholesterol levels and blood vessel flexibility, raising stroke risk as women age.
Pregnancy brings another challenge since blood volume increases dramatically and cardiac output can rise by as much as 30 percent, according to stroke specialists.
After delivery, that process reverses quickly, creating conditions ripe for clot formation. Some forms of hormonal birth control and hormone therapy can have a similar impact, making blood more prone to clotting.
Doctors say this “hypercoagulable” state is one of the main reasons stroke prevention should be part of women’s healthcare discussions at every stage of life.
Traditionally, stroke symptoms are taught through the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.—balance problems, eye changes, facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and the reminder that it’s “time” to call 911.
Also read: Always feeling tired? Doctors say a "mini-stroke" you never noticed could be the reason
These are the symptoms most people know, but women are more likely to experience non-traditional signs that don’t always trigger immediate concern.
Reports include fatigue, chest discomfort, nausea, hiccups, and even sudden shortness of breath.
Doctors warn that these subtler symptoms may delay care, since both patients and physicians might not immediately connect them to stroke.
“These issues might not ring a bell for physicians,” explained Dr. Indrani Acosta, a stroke director in Florida.
Also read: A simple change that could lower your stroke risk by 14%—here’s what researchers found!
“And a lot of women might not even recognize what’s happening either, which could cause them to delay seeking medical attention.”
Every minute of delayed treatment can lead to irreversible brain damage, which is why awareness of these overlooked signs is critical.
Read next: 8 everyday habits that could help you avoid a stroke, according to a nurse
Stroke prevention and quick recognition can save lives, but only if the information is widely known and acted upon. So let’s ask: have you or someone you know experienced unusual symptoms that turned out to be something serious? Share your story in the comments—your experience could help someone else recognize the warning signs in time.
For certain people, the signs appear clear and unmistakable, while for others, they are subtle, confusing, and easy to brush off as something minor like fatigue or stress.
This is especially concerning with one of the nation’s leading causes of lasting disability and premature death, which experts warn can look very different in women and is often overlooked until it is too late.
About 795,000 Americans experience a stroke each year, which is about one every 40 seconds, according to federal health data.
Strokes occur when oxygen and nutrients are cut off from the brain, either from a clot or a burst blood vessel.
Women face higher odds than men, partly due to longer life expectancy, but also because of unique risk factors like pregnancy, menopause, and certain hormone therapies.
Estrogen decline, for example, can influence cholesterol levels and blood vessel flexibility, raising stroke risk as women age.
Why strokes in women are sometimes missed—and the symptoms behind it. Image source: LinkedIn Sales Solutions / Unsplash
Pregnancy brings another challenge since blood volume increases dramatically and cardiac output can rise by as much as 30 percent, according to stroke specialists.
After delivery, that process reverses quickly, creating conditions ripe for clot formation. Some forms of hormonal birth control and hormone therapy can have a similar impact, making blood more prone to clotting.
Doctors say this “hypercoagulable” state is one of the main reasons stroke prevention should be part of women’s healthcare discussions at every stage of life.
Traditionally, stroke symptoms are taught through the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.—balance problems, eye changes, facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and the reminder that it’s “time” to call 911.
Also read: Always feeling tired? Doctors say a "mini-stroke" you never noticed could be the reason
These are the symptoms most people know, but women are more likely to experience non-traditional signs that don’t always trigger immediate concern.
Reports include fatigue, chest discomfort, nausea, hiccups, and even sudden shortness of breath.
Doctors warn that these subtler symptoms may delay care, since both patients and physicians might not immediately connect them to stroke.
“These issues might not ring a bell for physicians,” explained Dr. Indrani Acosta, a stroke director in Florida.
Also read: A simple change that could lower your stroke risk by 14%—here’s what researchers found!
“And a lot of women might not even recognize what’s happening either, which could cause them to delay seeking medical attention.”
Every minute of delayed treatment can lead to irreversible brain damage, which is why awareness of these overlooked signs is critical.
Read next: 8 everyday habits that could help you avoid a stroke, according to a nurse
