Women who have suffered a stroke are less likely than men to take medications that could prevent another stroke, according to a new study.
Researchers found that women are significantly more likely to miss doses of cholesterol-lowering drugs and blood thinners, both of which are critical for reducing the risk of a second stroke.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, highlights a concerning disparity in medication adherence. Women were found to be 80% more likely than men to not take cholesterol-lowering drugs as prescribed and 53% more likely to skip blood thinners.
A closer look revealed that Mexican-American women, in particular, were more likely to struggle with taking their medications. This group made up 58% of the study population and appeared to face unique challenges.
According to Chen Chen, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, caregiving responsibilities often take precedence for women, especially in Mexican-American families.
“Women, and especially Mexican-American women, are more likely to care for other family members, which can make it harder for them to focus on their own health and stick to a medication routine,” Chen explained.
Medication nonadherence is a widespread issue in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of the 187 million patients prescribed medications fail to take them as directed.
This behavior can have serious consequences, particularly for stroke survivors. People with high blood pressure, for example, double their risk of having a stroke if they don’t take their medications as prescribed.
For this study, researchers reviewed data from a stroke study conducted in Corpus Christi, Texas. They analyzed the records of more than 1,300 first-time stroke patients between 2008 and 2019.
The findings showed that women who were older, married, or without private health insurance were also more likely to miss doses.
Lynda Lisabeth, a senior study author and professor at the University of Michigan, emphasized the need to address these disparities. “Clinicians should consider screening for factors like caregiving responsibilities and lack of insurance when prescribing medications,” she said.
“It’s important to discuss the risks of missing doses and help patients find ways to stick to their treatment plans.”
The study underscores the importance of supporting women, particularly those with caregiving duties or financial challenges, in managing their health after a stroke.
By identifying and addressing barriers to medication adherence, healthcare providers can help reduce the risk of repeat strokes and improve long-term outcomes for women.
If you care about stroke, please read studies that diets high in flavonoids could help reduce stroke risk, and MIND diet could slow down cognitive decline after stroke.
For more health information, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce the risk of dementia, and tea and coffee may help lower your risk of stroke, dementia.
The research findings can be found in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
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