A new study has revealed that chronic stress may be a major factor in increasing the risk of stroke in young people, but the effect seems to be more pronounced in women than in men.
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The study, published in the journal Neurology, found that women with moderate to high stress levels may face a higher risk of stroke, whereas no similar association between stress and stroke was found in men.
It has long been known that stress negatively impacts the cardiovascular system, but recent research suggests it could be a major risk factor for early strokes, especially with the rising rates of strokes among the young.
Dr. Lauren Patrick, an assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco, stated that the study confirms that chronic stress may lead to vascular dysfunction, underscoring the importance of stress management as part of strategies to prevent strokes.
The study included 426 participants aged between 18 and 49, almost half of whom were women, and all had suffered ischemic strokes, which are the most common type of stroke, involving a blockage in the flow of blood to the brain.
The study also included a comparison group of 426 other individuals who had not suffered a stroke but were matched to the first group in terms of age and gender.
Survey results showed that those who had experienced a stroke reported much higher levels of stress compared to the other group.
Despite these findings, researchers noted that the study did not prove that stress directly causes strokes, but it did confirm a strong association between the two.
How Does Stress Cause Strokes?
Several hypotheses suggest how chronic stress might affect cardiovascular health, including:
Sudden increases in blood pressure due to repeated stress episodes.
Arrhythmia caused by the body’s physiological response to stress.
Chronic inflammation affecting the blood vessel walls.
Moreover, people who suffer from chronic stress may be more likely to adopt unhealthy habits, such as smoking, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and alcohol or drug use, which are all factors that increase the risk of stroke.
Why Does Stress Affect Women More?
Although some previous studies linked stress and stroke in men, this study did not find any clear effects of stress on men under 50.
Researchers believe that this may be due to the additional pressures women face, such as balancing work, family, and caregiving roles, which make them more vulnerable to chronic stress.
Dr. Kristina Migalski, a vascular neurologist at Stanford University, stated in an interview with Health that these findings should encourage communities to provide more support for women, particularly through improving childcare services and enhancing mental health support.
She also pointed out that men may be less likely to report their stress levels compared to women, which could explain the absence of a clear connection between stress and stroke risk in men in this study.
Can Stress Be Reduced to Protect the Heart?
Researchers recommend monitoring stress levels, as awareness of its potential effects on health may help reduce risks. Chronic stress symptoms include:
Constant anxiety.
Insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
Frequent headaches.
High blood pressure.
Feelings of burnout or exhaustion.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several steps can be taken to reduce stress and protect the heart, including:
Regular physical exercise, such as walking or yoga, for at least 150 minutes per week.
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing.
Eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins.
Reducing caffeine and sugar intake.
Seeking help from mental health professionals when needed.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Since stress may increase the likelihood of certain stroke risk factors, it’s crucial to be alert to early stroke symptoms, including:
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, particularly on one side of the body.
Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
Loss of balance or dizziness.
Severe headache with no clear cause.
If any of these symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is required, as quick intervention could make the difference between life and death or permanent disability.
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