Can Stress Cause A Stroke?
Have you been experiencing stress and wondering how it can affect your physical health? Many medical issues can arise from or be worsened by stress. However, can stress cause a stroke?
What is a stroke?
This process is known as an ischemic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts and leaks blood into your brain tissue.
Some of your blood vessels die when either of these strokes takes place. You may experience symptoms like muscle weakness on one side of the body. One side of your face may feel numb or droop. You might also have difficulties with speech.
If you're experiencing symptoms of a stroke, call 911 or visit the emergency room immediately. Strokes may act quickly. Once you get to a hospital or similar medical facility, the providers may run tests to determine the cause.
What causes strokes?
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted or significantly reduced. This prevents the brain from receiving the vital oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly, causing brain cells to die.
There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are the most common and happen when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue.
Stroke risk factors
Various health conditions and lifestyle factors may cause a higher risk for strokes. The risk factors for stroke include the following:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Heart rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation
- Heart disease
- History of smoking
- Substance use or addiction
- Alcohol use or consuming too much alcohol over time
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
People with multiple medical conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels may be at a higher risk of stroke. Various lifestyle factors, such as being sedentary and not getting enough exercise, can also increase the risk of having a stroke.
It’s important to have regular visits with a healthcare provider, especially if you have a personal or family history of a stroke, heart attack, or other cardiovascular problems.
Can stress cause strokes?
There is growing evidence that chronic stress is a factor in strokes for some people. If you are feeling stressed, you will not necessarily have a stroke. However, stress could be a risk factor for strokes, especially if you’re feeling severely stressed over long periods.
Stress hormones, such as cortisol and norepinephrine, can increase blood pressure. If those hormones are present in your body long term, it may lead to chronic high blood pressure, one of the leading causes of strokes.
Research has also shown that chronic stress is linked to high cholesterol, inflammation, and depression. These factors can further contribute to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. Managing stress effectively through relaxation techniques, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce these risks and promote overall well-being for both mental and physical health.
What are some primary causes of stress?
Many triggers may cause stress in your life, and many individuals experience stress. For some people, the obligations of school or work can cause stress. You might also feel stress and tension because of personal matters, such as relationship concerns or hormonal changes.
There are different types of stress, but acute and chronic stress are the most common. Acute stress refers to the fight or flight response that occurs when you face dangerous or stressful situations. As soon as an incident concludes, your body may release that stress, and you might recover from it.
Chronic stress is a type of stress that may be recurrent or long-term due to repeated stressors that you endure in your life. These stressors may not be the same for everyone. In chronic stress, your fight or flight response may stay activated longer than average, which can cause physical health problems.
In cases of chronic stress, other physical concerns may be prevalent, such as the chance of a heart attack. You might also experience intestinal problems, such as acid reflux or stress headaches. If stress overwhelms you, you could also experience panic attacks, which can have distressing physical symptoms.
Other physical symptoms of stress may include fatigue, insomnia, and difficulty staying asleep. Persistent stress can also negatively impact one's appetite, resulting in eating too much or too little, depending on the circumstances and the individual.
Treating stress
There are a range of practical strategies and techniques designed to help individuals fight stress and lead a healthier lifestyle. Some examples include therapy, relaxation techniques, exercise, and making lifestyle changes. By understanding and implementing these treatment options, you can take control of your stress levels, reduce its effects, and ultimately boost your overall well-being.
Relaxation techniques
Incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine can be an effective way to manage stress. Methods such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the mind and release tension from the body. Setting aside just a few minutes each day to practice these techniques can significantly improve your overall mental well-being and help you cope with stressful situations more effectively.
Making lifestyle changes
Sometimes, making simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing stress. Consider evaluating your daily habits and routines to identify potential sources of stress. For example, you might set boundaries to limit work-related stress, maintain a consistent sleep schedule to get enough rest, or adopt healthier eating habits to provide your body with the right nutrients. Exercises, like walking, swimming, or yoga, have been shown to boost mood, improve sleep, and increase energy levels.
A change in career
Many individuals may feel that their career is a source of stress for them. The stress from a job can leak over into every other part of your life. You might not be treated fairly by your boss, or you might not get along well with some of your coworkers.
If this is the case, and change is possible, you might want to consider looking for a new position or changing your schedule.
Seek professional help
Stress can affect everyone differently. If you feel that the stress in your life is overwhelming, consider reaching out for professional support.
Peer-reviewed, detailed research has shown that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for various mental health conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. If you feel ready to start, consider signing up for a platform like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
Takeaway
Can emotional stress cause a stroke?
Psychological stress is associated with several adverse impacts on the cardiovascular system, including an increased risk of coronary artery disease. It is also associated with an increased risk of a heart attack. Given that both coronary artery disease and other disorders of the cardiovascular system are associated with an increased risk of a stroke, researchers have long believed that stress may contribute directly to impaired blood circulation within the brain. Analysis of data from a large sample of adults supports that assertion, with one study finding that those with too much stress had a risk of stroke nearly double that of someone whose stress is well-managed.
What types of strokes are caused by stress?
The American Stroke Association reports five different kinds of stroke:
- Ischemic stroke is the most common, accounting for 87% of all strokes. It occurs when a blood vessel is obstructed, and blood flow to the surrounding tissue in the brain is reduced or stopped completely, similar to how an occluded coronary artery prevents blood from reaching the heart muscle, causing a heart attack.
- Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures, most commonly due to increased blood pressure.
- A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, is a “warning stroke” caused by a temporary clot that resolves spontaneously. A TIA isn’t as serious as other types of stroke, but it is still a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
- Brain stem strokes can affect both sides of the body, unlike other types of stroke, which often cause symptoms that affect only the left or right side.
- Cryptogenic stroke refers to a stroke caused by an unknown factor, not a clot or hemorrhage.
Out of the stroke types listed above, evidence suggests that stress is linked most closely with ischemic stroke. This may be due to the vascular diseases associated with chronic stress, which substantially increase the risk of a stroke.
What are the five warning signs of a mini-stroke?
A mini-stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. They are sometimes called “warning strokes,” meaning that someone who experiences a TIA is at a high risk of having a more serious stroke in the near future. When a TIA or more serious event occurs, there are common warning signs that allow you to quickly identify a stroke and help yourself or others seek medical attention. According to the American Stroke Association, the five warning signs of stroke include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or a loss of balance and coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
In addition, the American Stroke Association endorses an acronym, F.A.S.T., that helps you recognize a stroke and act.
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
If you see or suspect any signs of a stroke, contact medical help immediately. Medical professionals will always welcome someone who is acting out of an abundance of caution, even if the person isn’t sure they are experiencing a stroke. Never be afraid to access medical care at the first sign of concerning symptoms.
Does drinking water help prevent strokes?
While there is not yet conclusive research describing water consumption as a measure to prevent strokes, there is some evidence to suggest that dehydration may elevate stroke risk. One study found that patients presenting with an acute stroke have higher levels of dehydration, possibly indicating that hydration contributes to stroke events. This may be due to lower blood volume, which occurs when a person is dehydrated. Essentially, less water in the blood increases its viscosity, making it “thicker” and increasing the effort it takes to move nutrients through partially occluded blood vessels.
How much stress causes a stroke?
The amount of stress that causes certain medical conditions is usually subjective. People may experience a stressful situation differently, and they may have different levels of stress resilience, effectively raising or lowering their ability to resist the adverse effects of stress. While individual differences likely play a significant role, scientists are certain that constant stress can have serious effects on both mental and physical health, including impacts on the cardiovascular system. If you feel stressed most of the time, it may be worthwhile to consider taking steps to relieve stress before symptoms worsen, especially if you experience other risk factors.
Can lack of sleep cause strokes?
The American Stroke Association reports that sleep deprivation or poor long-term sleep quality can significantly increase the risk of medical problems, including stroke and other cardiovascular disorders. While chronic insomnia can raise stroke risk, evidence suggests that the greatest risk is seen in those with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea has a few different forms, with the most common being obstructive sleep apnea, characterized by breathing interruptions due to a complete or partial collapse of the airway. If you or someone you know is experiencing significant difficulty sleeping or frequently wakes up gasping or short of breath, consult a medical provider immediately.
Can yelling cause a stroke?
Yelling itself isn’t explicitly associated with an increased stroke risk. However, things commonly associated with yelling, such as anger and aggression, are known to significantly increase the risk of stroke. Evidence suggests that episodes of anger or rage may trigger a stroke.
How to prevent strokes?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer the following recommendations regarding how to prevent strokes:
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight. Foods that help you manage sugar and fat levels are known to help lower the risk of stroke, and avoiding unhealthy foods can help you maintain a healthy body weight. Excess body weight puts an additional load on the cardiovascular system and introduces other risks, potentially increasing stroke risk.
- Get regular exercise. Physical activity helps lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and body weight.
- Avoid cigarettes and limit alcohol. Cigarettes damage nearly every part of the body, including the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Alcohol can increase blood pressure and contribute to other preventable medical conditions.
- Get regular medical checkups. Work with a medical provider to keep cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure in check. Other conditions that can increase the risk of stroke, such as diabetes or certain kinds of heart disease, can typically be identified through regular checkups.
- Prioritize stress management. Stress and other associated mental health issues can substantially increase the risk of stroke.
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