Stroke kills about twice as many women as breast cancer each year. In fact, stroke is the third leading cause of death for women. Stroke also kills more women than men each year. A stroke can leave you permanently disabled. But many strokes are preventable and treatable. Every woman can take steps to prevent stroke by knowing her risk factors and making healthy changes.
What is stroke?
A stroke is sometimes called a “brain attack.” Stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain stops or is blocked by a blood clot or plaque, and brain cells begin to die.
What are the different types of stroke?
There are two types of stroke:
- Stroke caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain (ischemic [ih-SKEE-mik] stroke). This is the most common type of stroke. This type of stroke happens most often when an artery is clogged with plaque (atherosclerosis) or a blood clot.
- Stroke caused by bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic [hem-uh-RAJ-ik] stroke). This type of stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, and blood bleeds into the brain. This type of stroke can be caused by an aneurysm, which is a thin or weak spot in an artery that can burst.
Both types of stroke can cause brain cells to die. Depending on which part of the brain the stroke affects, you may have problems with your speech, movement, balance, vision, or memory.
If you think you are having a stroke, call 911.
What is a “mini-stroke”?
A “mini-stroke” is also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA, pronounced “T-I-A”). A TIA happens when, for a short time, less blood than normal gets to the brain. You may have some stroke symptoms, or you may not notice any symptoms.
A TIA usually lasts only a few minutes, although it can last up to several hours. Many people do not even know they have had a stroke. A TIA can be a warning sign of a full stroke in the future, or you can have another mini-stroke at a later time.
If you think you are having any type of stroke, call 911.
What are the effects of stroke?
How stroke affects you depends on:
- The type of stroke
- The area of the brain where the stroke happened
- The amount of brain injury
A mild stroke can cause little or no brain damage. A major stroke can cause severe brain damage and even death. Some effects of stroke may improve with time and rehabilitation.
A stroke can happen in different parts of the brain. The brain is divided into four main parts:
- The right hemisphere (or half)
- The left hemisphere (or half)
- The cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination
- The brain stem, which controls all of our body’s functions that we don’t think about, such as heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, or digestion.
A stroke in the right half of the brain can cause:
- Problems moving the left side of your body
- Problems judging distances. You may misjudge distances and fall. Or you might not be able to guide your hands to pick something up.
- Impaired judgment and behavior. You may misjudge your ability to do things. You may also do things you would not normally do, such as leave your house without getting fully dressed.
- Short-term memory loss. You may be able to remember events from 30 years ago, but not how to get to the place where you work today.
A stroke in the left half of the brain can cause:
- Problems moving the right side of your body.
- Speech and language problems. You may have trouble speaking or understanding others.
- Slow and cautious behavior. You may need a lot of help to complete everyday tasks.
- Memory problems. You may not remember what you did 10 minutes ago. Or you may have a hard time learning new things.
A stroke in the cerebellum can cause:
- Stiffness and tightness in the upper body that can cause spasms or jerky movements
- Eye problems, such as blurry or double vision
- Balance problems
- Dizziness, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), and vomiting
Strokes in the brain stem are very harmful. Since impulses that start in the brain must travel through the brain stem on their way to the arms and legs, patients with a brain stem stroke may also develop paralysis.
Final Thoughts
A Healthier Future Starts Now
Being informed is the first step. If you’ve experienced stroke symptoms, have risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, or simply want to protect your brain and heart health, don’t wait. Speak with your doctor or a provider at a trusted clinic like Skin30.co | Skin Longevity Clinic, where women’s health and whole-body care are at the forefront.
When Should I Talk to a Doctor or Nurse About My Risk of Stroke?
If you have any of the risk factors for stroke—or if you’ve ever experienced warning signs like temporary weakness, slurred speech, or vision changes—talk to a doctor or nurse right away. Early action can make all the difference in preventing a major event.
Your provider may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or diagnostic tests to help you manage your risks and stay healthy.
Stroke is not just a concern for older adults—it’s a serious threat to women of all ages. But it’s also preventable. Every woman deserves access to accurate information, respectful care, and a plan that puts her well-being first.
Whether you’re worried about your stroke risk or just want to take preventive steps, you don’t have to do it alone. If you don’t already have a trusted provider, experts in longevity and personalized medicine at Skin30.co and the Skin Longevity Clinic, alongside other trusted clinics in your area, are here to support your journey toward a healthier, more empowered life.
Stay well, stay safe, stay informed, stay in touch!
Dr. Kesler Dalmacy
Disclaimer:
No blog articles can replace the expertise of a licensed physician. This open letter/article in this website/DrDalmacy.com blog platform is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. This blog is not intended as medical advice. Please make certain that you consult your doctor or a qualified clinician or medical professional before making any decisions affecting your health, particularly if you have any symptoms that require treatment. Neither Dr. Kesler Dalmacy, nor DrDalmacy.com accept liability should you choose to self-prescribe or treat yourself..