Strokes Discriminate: Men and Women are Not Equal

(May 19, 2025 – DuBois, PA) For decades, women have been fighting for equal rights with men when it comes to everything from career opportunities to sports. However, there is one area where they are not equal to men and that is stroke – particularly the incidence, risk factors and symptoms.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in women and the fifth leading cause in men. However, men are more likely to experience a stroke at a younger age while the incidence increases as both genders age.

“As we all know, from a physical standpoint, men and women are very different and that impacts when and how they can experience a stroke,” explained James Pacelli, MD, a neurologist with Penn Highlands Healthcare. “Early treatment can make a key difference and it is important that everyone – men and women -- recognize their risk factors.”

Risk Factors

While smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels can impact both men and women, females have a higher incidence of stroke with approximately one in five women experiencing a stroke in their lifetime.

Women’s unique risk factors include:

  • Pregnancy – Changes in blood coagulation can lead to blood clots which can restrict blood flow to the brain. High-blood pressure can lead to preeclampsia which doubles a woman’s risk of stroke later in life.

  • Oral Contraceptives – Birth-control pills with a higher dose of estrogen have been associated with an increased risk of stroke.

  • Migraines – Women who have migraines with the aura and particularly those with other vascular risk factors could be at increased risk.

  • Atrial Fibrillation – While an irregular heartbeat puts both men and women at risk, it is more likely to cause a stroke with more severe complications in women.

Symptoms

Early intervention can make a difference in brain loss during a stroke. People may be familiar with F-A-S-T which represents face, arm, speech and time; however, women may experience non-traditional symptoms such as:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Sudden weakness or fatigue

  • Chest discomfort or pain

  • Difficulty thinking, remembering or using judgment

All Penn Highlands Healthcare emergency departments are prepared to identify and treat strokes as quickly as possible. Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Mon Valley are designated Primary Stroke Centers. This certification from The Joint Commission recognizes hospitals that have the infrastructure, staff and training to identify and treat patients with the most complex strokes. In addition, Penn Highlands Elk is certified by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital which it achieved for its dedication to providing stroke care to the community. To learn more, visit phhealthcare.org/stroke.

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Penn Highlands Healthcare was officially formed in 2011 and is comprised of nine hospitals. Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, Penn Highlands Tyrone have served area communities for the past 100+ years. Penn Highlands State College is a new state-of-the-art hospital that opened in 2024. The health system’s business continuum also includes a home care agency, long-term care facilities and residential senior living communities, as well as durable medical equipment companies and retail pharmacies.

Penn Highlands Healthcare has evolved into an organization with approximately 6,200 employees in 150+ locations throughout 26 counties in Pennsylvania that include community medical buildings, outpatient facilities, surgery centers and physician practices. The facilities have a total of 1,396 inpatient, skilled nursing and personal care beds.  The system, which has 849 physicians and 427 advanced practice providers on staff, offers a wide range of care and treatments with specialty units for cancer, cardiovascular/thoracic, neurosurgery, pulmonology, neonatal and high-risk pregnancy patients. Being focused on what is important – patients and families – makes Penn Highlands Healthcare a great choice for healthcare in the region