Existing guide- lines for nonpharmacological intervention (predominantly dietary modification) to lower BP and to reduce stroke risk in adults should be followed.19,140 It is unclear whether the age- related decline in BP control among women is related to inad- equate intensity of treatment, inappropriate drug choices, lack of compliance, true treatment resistance, biological factors, or other factors. Further research to resolve these questions is needed. In addition, hormone-dependent and -independent approaches to BP treatment require further study. Sex and Hypertension in Relation to Prevention of Stroke: Recommendations The recommendations for BP treatment to prevent stroke are currently the same for women as for men and can be found in the AHA/American Stroke Association Guidelines for the Primary Prevention of Stroke, 19 the European Society of Hypertension/ European Society of Cardiology guidelines,141 and the Seventh ReportoftheJointNationalCommitteeonPrevention,Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. 142 Sex-Specific Risk Factors Pregnancy and Stroke Pregnancy is a condition unique to women. Although stroke is uncommon in pregnancy (34 strokes per 100000 deliver- the risk for stroke is higher in pregnant than in non- pregnant young women (21 per 100000144 ), with the highest stroke risk occurring in the third trimester and post partum. The physiological changes of pregnancy, specifically venous stasis, edema, and hypercoagulability caused by activated Table 4. 