The Connection Between Stress and Stroke Risk

The Connection Between Stress and Stroke Risk Stress Management Effects on Health Print The Connection Between Stress and Stroke Risk By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Updated on June 24, 2019 How Stress Impacts Your Health Overview Signs of Burnout Stress and Weight Gain Benefits of Exercise Stress Reduction Tips Self-Care Practices Mindful Living Creative RF/ADAM GAULT/SPL/Getty Images What’s the connection between stress and stroke risk? According to the American Medical Association, roughly 80% or doctor visits are stress-related, but what about major, deadly conditions like stroke? Conventional wisdom has said that stress leads to stroke. Medical research has found some connections but has had a more difficult time proving that one clearly causes the other. However, a growing body of research seems to show a link. Here’s a sample of what researchers have found: A University of Michigan study found that men who were more physiologically reactive to stress (as measured by high blood pressure) were 72% more likely to suffer a stroke.A recent study of 6553 Japanese male and female workers examined job stress levels and found that men (though not women) in jobs that involved high demands and lower levels of personal control (in other words, more stressful jobs) were at greater stroke risk, even after controlling for variables like age, educational attainment, occupation, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and study area.One study measured levels of adaptation to stressâ€"how well participants managed stress, and the associated risk. They found that those who had difficulty managing stress appeared to be at an increased risk of stroke. “One interpretation,” they write of their results, “is that hypertensive men who chronically fail to find successful strategies in stressful situations are vulnerable to the damaging effe cts of stress and thereby at an increased risk of a future stroke.”What we know can be summed up with this, from researchers from The Copenhagen City Heart Study, who asked people about their stress levels and analyzed their health outcomes: “Self-reported high-stress intensity and weekly stress were associated with a higher risk of fatal stroke compared with no stress. However, there were no significant trends, and the present data do not provide strong evidence that self-reported stress is an independent risk factor for stroke.” However, while stress is linked, but not firmly established as an independent risk factor for stroke, it’s important to note that stress is linked with several firmly established risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity. (Read more about stress and weight gain  and blood pressure.) In addition to potentially raising stroke risk, stress is associated with poorer outcomes for those who have already had a stroke, as well as their families. While more research needs to be done, there is enough evidence of a stress-and-stroke-risk relationship that I feel very comfortable recommend stress management strategies as one means of lowering risk. Here are some stress management tips and resources for those concerned about lowering their stroke risk, as well as those who have already suffered a stroke, or care for stroke survivors. Quick Stress Relievers Reversing your stress response quickly is a simple and effective first line of defense against stress. It can help prevent the negative effects of chronic stress, especially if used as part of an overall stress management plan. 5 Minute Stress Relievers5 Minute MeditationBreathing Exercises Healthy Lifestyle Changes Adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce stress as well as risk for major diseases and conditions. Learn more about changes that make the biggest difference. Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Stress ReliefTop 5 Changes for a Less-Stressed LifeChoosing Healthy Habits Social Support Having a supportive social circle has been linked with better post-stroke outcomes for both stroke survivors and their caregivers. Learn more about social support and maintaining a strong supportive circle. Create Social Support In Your LifeCreate a Supportive Circle