Reducing stroke risk in women. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in women, and 3.8 million women in the United States live with the consequences of stroke. For the first time, experts have released guidelines (in the May issue of Stroke) on reducing stroke risk factors that are unique to women. Recommendations include screening women for high blood pressure before prescribing oral contraceptives, prescribing low-dose aspirin or calcium supplements for high blood pressure before pregnancy to lower preeclampsia risk, and advising women who have migraine headaches with aura to stop smoking. Women with preeclampsia should be treated early for obesity, high cholesterol, and smoking because preeclampsia raises the risk of stroke after pregnancy. Women older than 75 should be screened for atrial fibrillation.