Calls to change how stroke research is done for women
Women are disproportionally affected by strokes. More women die from them, have worse outcomes and face more challenges when recovering, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Margie Hesom was one of those women who suffered a stroke. She had one over a year ago after a surgery.
“My friend was coming around to take me to have my stitches out. I was in bed, so I got up and I was going to say hi and I collapsed,” said Hesom.
Hesom, who is a family physician, was walking again after 11 days, but today she is still trying to recoup her right hand and her speech.
“I am used to taking care of my family, and now they have to take care of me.”
According to the 2018 Stroke Report from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, one-third more women die of a stroke than men.
Researchers don’t have all the answers of why this is, but there is a push to change how stroke research is done.
“One of the thoughts is that post-menopausal, they no longer have estrogen and progesterone, which are neuroprotective,” said Nicole Sylvain, who is a clinical research coordinator and lab manager at the University of Saskatchewan.
She said one change she wants to see is early research done on animals like mice. Currently the research is only done in male mice. She wants to see pre-clinical research involving both male and female rodents, something her lab has already done. They found female mice have more glycogen in their brains, which is a sugar-like substance in blood that feeds cells.
“The take home message for our group is it is really important to actually do the research on both male and females pre-clinically, to make sure we don’t miss anything.”
Additionally, findings like this may also lead to better treatment plans to make sure anyone who has a stroke doesn’t miss out on anything either.
“If I had been a man, I would’ve been put on blood thinners, but I was a woman so I was deemed to be low risk,” said Hesom.
Hesom is now working to advocate for better stroke recovery, saying she knows women are disproportionally affected and they need to be studied more.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Manitoba man sentenced to house arrest for keeping fishing tournament funds meant for Children's Hospital Foundation
A Manitoba man who pleaded guilty to keeping the funds raised from an ice-fishing fundraiser for the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has been handed a sentence of 18 months house arrest.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.