Oftentimes there exists an incorrect perception that strokes are more likely to affect males which leads to many women ignoring warning signs of this potentially fatal condition. However according to the 2007-2010 NHANES results men may be more likely to die from a stroke but the prevalence of stroke between men and women is nearly equal. In fact between the ages of 60 and 79 women are more likely to have a stroke than men. When considering the staggering fact that most stroke incidents end in death and those that do not often leave behind serious disability it is advantageous for American women to heed the warning signs and take an effort to reduce the risks of becoming a stroke victim. 

So is there a connection between strokes and exercise? Research shows that moderate-intensity exercise is one of the effective steps an individual can take to help reduce various primary risk factors associated with stroke incidence.

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is the foremost risk factor associated with strokes in women.  Almost all forms of physical activity have been shown to reduce blood pressure by improving endothelial function enhancing vasodilation and vasomotor function in vessels as well as reducing blood viscosity by positively influencing fibrinogen levels and fibrinolysis. Hypertension is significantly associated with post-stroke mortality; therefore not only will moderate exercise lower the risk of stroke incidence but it may also improve the outcome should a stroke occur.

Diabetes 

High blood sugar/diabetes has been found to be the second greatest risk factor associated with strokes. Moderate-intensity exercise has been shown to not only lower immediate glucose levels but over time will lower hemoglobin A1C levels improve insulin sensitivity increase fat oxidation and promote more efficient lipid storage. The later effects may be an indirect result of exercise-induced improvement in body mass index; however exercise does induce direct hormonal influences that will accelerate these changes on blood sugar and stroke risk.

Cholesterol Levels

Naturally high blood sugar is almost always associated with unbalanced lipid levels and not surprisingly; this is another risk factor associated with stroke incidence. While managing blood glucose can support healthy lipid levels exercise can expedite positive changes. Moderate-intensity exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on all lipid levels by raising healthy HDL cholesterol and lowering dangerous LDL cholesterol. Interestingly the ability to lower LDL cholesterol via moderate-intensity exercise is greater in women (especially menopausal women) than in men. Moderate-intensity exercise can also help lower total cholesterol and triglycerides. 

Obesity 

Both obesity and overweight status have been linked to a significant increase in stroke risk albeit by negatively influencing blood pressure lipid profiles and blood glucose. Moderate to intense exercise is one of the primary means of reducing weight and improving body composition. Moderate aerobic exercise such as walking swimming and biking will increase the amount of calories burned as well as positively influence cardiac function endothelial function and lung capacity. More intense aerobic or resistance exercise such as weight lifting and interval training will raise metabolism by increasing muscle mass and will encourage more efficient lipolysis. In response weight is reduced blood pressure improved and stroke risk is reduced.

Obesity high cholesterol high blood sugar and hypertension are not only independent risk factors for stroke incidence in women but they are also intricately interrelated and any effort to improve one of these factors will indirectly impact the others. Moderate-intensity exercise happens to be a common denominator among all of these risks factors improving each individually and as a whole. With this in mind encouraging women to engage in any type of exercise including swimming brisk walking jogging biking light weight lifting and other forms should be a priority for reducing all risk factors associated with stroke and mortality.