Why women are more at risk of strokes than men

Hormonal changes, oral contraceptives, longer life expectancy among reasons: experts

Hormonal changes caused due to pregnancy, or the use of oral contraceptives, and the longer life expectancy are some of the reasons that explain the higher incidences of strokes among women than men, experts have said.

Stroke is a major cause of disability and death for all people worldwide. But, it is the third leading cause of death in women and kills more females than males, according to the American Stroke Association.

Dr Atul Prasad, Principal Director & HOD, Neurology, BLK - MAX Super Speciality Hospital, told IANS that longer life expectancy, hormonal factors that are influenced by pregnancy and childbirth, oral contraceptives, and menopause.