Stress can significantly impact stroke risk, particularly in women, according to new research published in Neurology on March 5.

A study from Helsinki University Hospital examined 426 patients who experienced cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CIS) and 426 matched controls. Using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), researchers found that stroke survivors reported higher average stress scores (13) compared to the control group (10).

Key findings:

• 46% of stroke survivors reported moderate-to-high stress levels vs. 33% of controls
• Women with moderate stress showed a 78% increased stroke risk
• High stress was associated with a 6% increased stroke risk in women
• No observable increase in stroke risk was found among men

The study focused on younger adults (18-49 years old) and controlled for traditional stroke risk factors such as education level, smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity.

Dr. Christina Mijalski Sells from Stanford Medicine notes that women often face unique stressors, including:

• Balancing multiple roles between work and family
• Primary parenting responsibilities
• Managing household duties while working full-time

While these findings show a strong association between stress and stroke risk in women, researchers emphasize that more study is needed to understand:

• Why stress affects women differently than men
• The relationship between moderate versus high stress levels and stroke risk
• The role of additional factors like race, work type, and family composition

The research underscores the importance of stress management, particularly for women, as a modifiable risk factor for stroke prevention.

Important note: The study evaluated stress levels after participants had experienced stroke, which could influence the results. Additionally, the number of participants reporting high stress was significantly smaller than those reporting moderate levels.

Related Articles

Previous Articles