Stroke and gender.

The literature regarding gender-specific aspects of cerebrovascular diseases is quite sparse. It is well-documented that the incidence of stroke is higher in men than in women in all age classes, and women are, on average, several years older than men when they suffer their first stroke. The prevalence of stroke is higher among men up to the age of approximately 80 years, after which it becomes higher in women. A majority of studies indicate that the case-fatality rate is higher in female than in male stroke patients; there is also some evidence, albeit relatively weak, indicating a better functional outcome in men. Gender differences in risk factor profile and treatment response appear to be weak. The burden of providing informal care to stroke patients seems to constitute a threat to the mental health of the caregivers, who are predominantly women.