Stroke risk factors unique to women identified

"Many people don't realize that women suffer stroke more frequently than men, and mortality is much higher among women. As women age, they are much more likely to have a stroke as a first manifestation of cardiovascular disease rather than heart attack," said corresponding author Kathryn Rexrode, MD, MPH, of the BWH Department of Medicine. "We want to better understand susceptibility: why do more women have strokes than men? What factors are contributing and disproportionately increasing women's risk?"

Rexrode led a team that delved into the scientific literature to investigate evidence about risk factors that are unique to women. Rexrode is also the co-author of a companion paper that examines sex differences among modifiable risk factors and preventative measures. In the systematic review led by Rexrode, the researchers report on several factors that elevate stroke risk among women including:

• Early age of menarche (less than 10 years old)
• Early age at menopause (less than 45 years old)
• Low levels of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS)
• Taking oral estrogen or combined oral contraceptives

The team notes that while many of these factors are extremely common -- only a fraction of women who have one or more will have a stroke in their lifetimes. However, Rexrode emphasizes that it is important for clinicians to consider these factors and others -- including women who have a history of pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia or hypertension during or immediately following pregnancy.

"These women should be monitored carefully and they should be aware that they are at higher risk, and motivated to adhere to the healthiest lifestyle behaviors to decrease the risk of hypertension and subsequent stroke," Rexrode said.

Certain risk factors -- such as taking transdermal estrogen or progestogen-only contraception -- need further research, according to the authors. The team also conducted a search of the literature for studies on stroke risk factors unique to transgender people, but report that data on the effects medical treatment with estrogens, anti-androgens, or a combination of both is scant. Research on how to decrease risk among women with a history of pregnancy complication is another area ripe for additional research.