Women:
Spot the signs of stroke Franciscan excels with fast treatment times for stroke Stroke and other cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of death in the United States among both men and women. But did you know that having risk factors for cardiovascular disease also increase your risk for stroke? “Risk factors include a personal history of stroke or blood vessel disease, being age 55 or older, having high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes and smoking,” said internist Jude Verzosa, MD, FACP, Franciscan Medical Clinic in Enumclaw. “Persons with a family history of heart disease, stroke or diabetes are also at increased risk.”
Lower your risk To help prevent stroke, your primary care physician will review your individual risk factors. For women, Dr. Verzosa said this includes having your ovaries removed, being menopausal or being on low-dose oral contraceptives, particularly if you smoke. “Excess alcohol consumption may also increase stroke risk,” he added. “More than one
Jude Verzosa, MD
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Franciscan Health System | Summer 2014
Dennis Wang, MD