Gender may determine stroke treatment

February 11, 2009 There is also concern women are less likely to get the necessary treatment to reduce their odds of severe disability or death.

In honor of "Go Red For Women," the campaign to raise awareness of women's heart disease, the American Heart Association is calling attention to the issue of stroke.

One study of stroke patients found women were 14 percent less likely to receive optimal stroke care.

Another study showed female stroke patients wait 11 percent longer to see a doctor in the ER.

Experts say women themselves need to be alert for common stroke symptoms. They include: weakness or tingling on one side of the body, vision loss, slurred speech or sudden terrible headache.