Gender considerations in stroke management.
BACKGROUND
Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the general population and especially in older women.


RESULTS
The incidence of stroke differs between men and women of a range of ages, with a higher lifetime risk for women than men. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are times of increased risk of stroke. Use of exogenous estrogen, especially in vulnerable populations, increases stroke risk. Women and men have different responses to primary and secondary stroke prevention. Women may not be offered acute ischemic stroke treatment as frequently as men; and female stroke survivors have worse outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Gender-related differences in stroke are attributed to the hormonal changes that women experience through their lifetime, diverse risk factors for stroke in men and women, and specific lifestyles, and comorbid conditions. Neurologists need to be aware of aspects of stroke that are particularly relevant to women.
Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA. dgj2001@med.cornell.edu
Dara G
DG
Jamieson
Maryna
M
Skliut
D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000009:adverse effects; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012737:Sex Factors; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors