Stress May Make a Stroke More Likely—Here’s How To Protect Yourself

A stroke is a serious medical event that occurs when part of your brain is damaged with a lack of oxygen. Although scientific evidence is still emerging, it is possible that chronic stress (long -term) and suddenly increases your risk of stroke, especially if you have other risk factors.

Scientists have learned that chronic and relentless stress, such as continuous challenges at work or in your family life, can slightly increase your risk of stroke. Part of this may be due to the fact that stress is associated with atherosclerosishardening of the arteries that can lead to serious health events such as the heart attack and cerebral vascular accidents.

Go through a traumatic event – like a natural disaster or the death of a spouse – perhaps slightly increase your risk, at least for several months. Situations that put you very angry or extremely upset can also increase your short -term risks.

Some people who have experienced very stressful events in the past may have a higher risk of stroke than they would do, especially if they have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (SSPT).

Stress also plays a role in depression, which can also increase your overall risk of stroke.

How stress could increase the risk of stroke

Stress can have an impact on your risk of stroke by various mechanisms.

When you feel sudden stress, it triggers an increase in the sympathetic activity of the nervous system, the part of your nervous system responsible for the “combat or leak” response. Signals decrease to parasympathetic nervous system. This is the “Rest and Digest” part of your nervous system.

Stress also influences the HPA axis, a system that helps regulate your response to stress. He understands it:

• Hypothalamus: A region in the brain which controls many important functions
• Pituitary gland: A gland in the brain that regulates several hormones
• Adrenal glands: Glands near your kidneys that can free hormones like cortisol and adrenaline

The action of the HPA axis can have different effects on your body, some of which may increase your risk of stroke. This can further increase your blood pressure, and it could make your blood more concentrated, which can make a clot more likely in a cerebral blood vessel.

Stress can also increase certain types of inflammation, another risk factor. Stress can increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, some of which can lead to a stroke.

These are all factors that can increase the risk of stroke. However, it is unlikely that they cause problems unless you also have other risk factors.

You may not be able to modify certain risk factors for stroke, such as an increase in age, but you can take measures to modify many significant risk factors for stroke. Your level of stress can influence some. These include:

• High blood pressure: This is the most important modifiable risk factor in stroke. High blood pressure weakens your blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots or blood vessels in your brain. Chronic stress can worsen high blood pressure and sudden stress factors can increase it.
• Adaptation behaviors: Not doing enough exercise is a risk factor for stroke, just as there are many adipose tissue (fat), eating badly and even dehydrated. When you feel stressed, you may be less likely to exercise, eat nutritious foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and drink enough liquids.
• Consumption of substances: The use of tobacco and the consumption of alcohol is excessively the two risk factors for stroke. It may be tempting to count on substances like this to relax when you are stressed.
• Bad sleep: Do not sleep enough or have a very poor quality sleep can also increase the risk of stroke, especially if you have a condition such as obstructive sleep apnea. Excess stress can interfere with your ability to have a good night’s sleep.
• Other conditions: Many people at risk of stroke have underlying conditions which must be treated with drugs, such as reducing blood pressure, reducing cholesterol or managing diabetes. You might be more likely to forget medications or skip medical appointments if you feel a lot of stress.

Management of risk factors for stroke can also benefit from related conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease.

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but you can take measures to manage stress and limit its impact. Feeling more stress control can help relieve negative effects and reduce the risk of your stroke.

Certain strategies that can help you cope or browse your stress more easily include:

• Prioritize sleep: Try to discover a time for a full night, which is seven hours or more. Limit caffeine and avoid using screens just before bedtime.
• Experience your diet: What you eat can ultimately worsen your stress levels. Try to get enough food with fibers, proteins and fats to help you manage stress more easily.
• Move your body: Find a kind of exercise that you like, then do it regularly. Even a daily walk of 20 or 30 minutes can have major advantages. Be careful not to do too much, because a heavy physical effort can be a risk factor for stroke if your body is not used to it.
• Take the time to socialize: Quality time with close friends and family can considerably reduce your stress. Adjust the limits to limit time with the people who empty you.
• Limit your use of technology: Excessive screen time and media consumption could contribute to your stress.
• Relax with the hobbies: Find time for things that raise, calm or bring you joy. Examples could include a spiritual or religious activity, a hobby you like or spend time in nature.
• Directly treat stress: Consider journalist, use meditation or mindfulness exercises. Working with a therapist to obtain information and prioritize what is most important for you is also useful.

If you are concerned about your risk of a stroke, it is important to speak to a health care provider. They can discuss the best ways to help manage your risks.

Look for immediate medical care if you have potential and sudden signs of a stroke, such as:

• Falling from the face
• Inability to move an arm or a leg
• Numbness on one side of the body
• Difficulties with speech, see or walk
• Severe headache
• Sudden change in vision

It is also essential to see a health care provider immediately if your stress levels are so serious that they interfere with your ability to participate in daily life or cause self -control or suicide thoughts.

Short -term and long -term stress can increase the risk of stroke, especially if you have other risk factors. Decreasing your stress can help reduce these risks. Make sure to contact a health care provider if your stress levels do not feel manageable. A support is available.