Can Stress Cause A Stroke?

Medically reviewed by Majesty Purvis, LCMHC
Updated October 18, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
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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, many people wonder: Can stress cause a stroke?

Elevated stress levels can potentially increase the risk factors associated with high blood pressure, which is a known contributor to strokes. High stress can also increase heart rate and contribute to the development or exacerbation of hypertension, both of which are significant risk factors for stroke as well.

Managing stress through effective techniques such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and seeking social support may play a crucial role in reducing these risks and promoting better cardiovascular health.

This article explores the connection between stress and stroke, offering resources to help you care for your physical and mental health.

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Reduce stress and set yourself up for a full, satisfying life

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted. Many strokes are caused by a blockage of the arteries that lead to the brain.

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 happen quickly, and immediate care is crucial. 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. 

Stress and blood vessels

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

Additional stroke risk factors and causes

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.

That’s why it can be 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 a stroke?

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.

How can stress cause a stroke?

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.

Link between high blood pressure and stroke risk

Research has also suggested 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 may help reduce these risks and promote overall well-being for both mental and physical health.

What are some primary causes of stress?

Many factors may cause stress in your life. 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 financial challenges. 

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. 

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Chronic stress is a type of stress that is recurrent or long-term due to repeated stressors that you endure in your life. With chronic stress, your fight or flight response may stay activated for longer than normal, which can cause physical health problems

In cases of chronic stress, you might also be at higher risk of other physical health concerns, 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 experience panic attacks too, 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.

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Reduce stress and set yourself up for a full, satisfying life

Treating stress

There are a range of practical strategies and techniques that may 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 may be able to take control of your stress levels, reduce its effects, and ultimately boost your overall well-being.

Effective stress management to reduce stroke risk

Chronic stress has a significant negative impact on cardiovascular health, making it important to consider effective strategies for managing stress as part of stroke risk reduction. Below are some effective ways to control stress:

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 more balanced eating habits to provide your body with enough nutrients. Exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, have also been suggested to boost mood, improve sleep, and increase energy levels, all of which may help reduce stress. 

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. If it’s not feasible for you to regularly attend in-person therapy sessions, you might consider online therapy instead.

Peer-reviewed, detailed research suggests that online therapy can often be as effective as in-person therapy for addressing symptoms of various mental health conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. If you feel ready to start, you might consider signing up for a platform like BetterHelp. See below for a review of a BetterHelp counselor.

Trevor Gillen, BACP
Trevor has been a fantastic therapist for me at a very difficult time. I initially started seeing him due to work-related stress, but a few weeks into our therapy I had a stroke, and that brought up a whole new set of things to work through and deal with. His advice and support have been absolutely invaluable in navigating through a minefield at work, as well as issues in my personal and family life. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone, he is absolutely top-rate.”

Takeaway

Stress is often a part of life. However, you might consider reaching out for support if you're dealing with chronic or overwhelming stress or health-related fears. One support method is counseling, which may allow you to discuss up-to-date techniques for managing stress and other distressing symptoms. You might also try and remember to take a break when needed and pay attention to your body's signals, as this may help lessen the impact of stress on your overall health.

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