Stroke, the leading cause of disability in the United States, like heart disease, is also a disease that affects women. Twice as many women will die of stroke than breast cancer each year. According to the National Women's Health Information Center, experts believe that as many as 80 percent of strokes could be prevented. 

Warning Signs of Stroke

Call 911 if you or someone you’re with notices these unexplained, sudden warning signs:

• A feeling of numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg (You might notice it on one side more than the other.)
• Vision problems in one or both eyes
• Dizziness or loss of balance; difficulty walking
• Confusion
• Problems speaking or understanding what other people are saying
• Severe headaches without warning or explanation

Stroke Warning Signs Reported by Some Women 

Women may have the same symptoms as men, but they’ve also reported a few others. These symptoms also happen suddenly and unexpectedly:

• Pains in the face or legs
• Hiccups
• Nausea
• Feeling weak all over
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart beat 

A Stroke Is a Medical Emergency Requiring Immediate Treatment 

Never forget -- a stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Just a few hours can make the difference between recovery or learning to walk and talk all over again - or worse still - death. If you think that you or someone you are with might be having a stroke, don’t wait, note the time, call 911, and say, “I think I’m having a stroke. Please take me to the nearest stroke treatment center as quickly as possible.”

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