Impact of female specific risk factors on stroke prediction: a scoping review

Stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. There is emerging evidence suggesting that female-specific risk factors, such as reproductive history, pregnancy complications, and hormonal status, play a critical role in stroke pathogenesis. However, these factors are often underrepresented in traditional stroke risk prediction models. This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing literature on the association between female-specific life events and stroke risk. The review will synthesize evidence from observational studies published in the last 15 years, identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed and Embase. Specific objectives include: 1. To summarize the reported associations between various female-specific risk factors and stroke incidence. 2. To identify and scope the potential biological and pathological mechanisms underlying these associations as discussed in the literature. 3. To determine the extent to which these factors have been integrated into existing stroke risk prediction models. The findings will highlight current knowledge gaps and provide recommendations for future research and the development of more inclusive stroke risk assessment tools for women.