strokes occur most often in which population? a. women until age 60 b. women until age 75 c. men until age 60 d. men until age 75
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: c. men until age 60
Explanation (300 words):
Strokes are a major health concern globally and are one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability. The risk of stroke increases with age, but sex differences also play a role in stroke incidence and outcomes.
Until around the age of 60, men have a higher incidence of stroke than women, making option c the correct answer. This is due to a combination of biological, lifestyle, and behavioral factors. Men are more likely to have risk factors for stroke at a younger age, including hypertension, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and higher rates of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, men are generally less likely to seek regular medical care, which can delay the detection and treatment of these risk factors.
However, after age 60—and especially beyond age 75—the pattern shifts. Women begin to experience strokes at higher rates. This is partly because women tend to live longer than men and are more likely to survive into older age when the overall risk of stroke is higher. Hormonal changes after menopause, such as the drop in estrogen levels, may also contribute to increased stroke risk in older women.
Furthermore, when women do have strokes, they often experience more severe outcomes, longer hospital stays, and higher rates of disability. This emphasizes the need for tailored prevention strategies for both sexes across different age groups.
In summary, men are more likely to experience strokes until about age 60 due to higher exposure to modifiable risk factors. After that point, women’s risk rises significantly, and they eventually surpass men in stroke incidence and complications as they age. This age- and sex-related pattern is essential for developing age-specific and gender-specific strategies for stroke prevention and treatment.