What are the stroke risk factors in men?
With a few exceptions, risk factors for stroke are universal between sexes, and many can be managed to prevent a stroke from occurring.
Risk factors that can be controlled or treated include:
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
Risk factors that cannot be controlled include:
- Previous strokes
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Certain genetic conditions
- Age
According to the CDC, nearly half of men have high blood pressure or take medication to treat high blood pressure. Men are also more likely to be smokers (one out of six men smoke), and three in four men are obese.
What are the signs of stroke in men?
While certain risk factors may differ between men and women, the signs of stroke are universal.
Remembering the acronym FAST can help identify a stroke and get urgent treatment:
- F: Facial drooping
- A: Arm weakness
- S: Speech becomes altered or slurred
- T: Time to call 911
In addition to the well-known acronym, there are other signs to be aware of. If you experience sudden blindness, dizziness or loss of balance, know that these can also be signs of stroke.
How important is prompt treatment?
While the signs of stroke are the same between women and men, some experts claim that they have seen one additional trend with men. Typically, men are more likely to delay care than women are.
If you believe you or someone you know is having a stroke, it’s important to treat the situation as a medical emergency and seek treatment immediately as delaying treatment can lead to more significant brain damage.
Many of the preferred stroke interventions must be used within a specific timeframe from the onset of the stroke.
About the Expert
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospitals is committed to helping you regain independence after a life-changing illness or injury. Their hospitals use the most advanced therapies and technologies to help their patients get better faster. These, along with their customized treatment plans and coordinated care teams, allow them to deliver the highest level of comprehensive rehabilitative care.
With locations in Humble, Cypress, Katy, Pearland, Sugar Land, The Vintage, Vision Park and The Woodlands, they serve the Greater Houston area as a leading provider of inpatient rehabilitation for stroke, amputation, cardiac conditions, Parkinson’s disease and other complex neurological and orthopedic conditions.
For more information and to learn more about their level of care, please visit encompasshealth.com/houstonrehab.
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