Healio: Q&A | New Stroke Guidance Highlights Risk for Women with Endometriosis, Early Menopause
Healio recently interviewed Alexis Simpkins, MD, PhD, associate professor of Neurology and director of Vascular Neurology Research at Cedars-Sinai, about stroke prevention for women with certain health conditions.
Newly updated guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association found some groups of women are at greater risk of stroke: those who have endometriosis, those who have experienced early-onset menopause, those who are pregnant or who have recently given birth, and transgender women receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy.
Simpkins told Healio experts aren’t entirely sure why endometriosis increases stroke risk.
“We believe that inflammation and an imbalance in hormone levels may play a role,” she said, adding that high cholesterol and high blood pressure—known stroke risk factors—often accompany endometriosis.
Simpkins told Healio experts also are unsure why women who experience menopause before 45 and women who have more intense and frequent hot flashes and night sweats during menopause have an elevated risk. She said healthcare providers should “consider any risk factors when deciding on the best medical options for managing symptoms associated with menopause.”
Simpkins told Healio that in addition to performing a standard medical assessment, diagnostic tests and lab work, and gathering a comprehensive medical, family and social history—physicians should discuss stroke prevention with all high-risk patients, including those with diabetes, autoimmune diseases and certain heart conditions.
“Any evaluation must include an open dialogue so management is tailored to each person’s goals, preexisting conditions, current medical conditions and life experience,” she said.
The American Heart Association recommends lowering stroke risk by eating a healthy diet; prioritizing exercise and adequate sleep; maintaining a healthy weight; not smoking; and ensuring appropriate blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose targets are met.
Click here to read the complete article from Healio.