According to the American Heart Association, there are 795,000 new or recurrent strokes annually. Strokes account for one in every 19 deaths in the US. Risk factors like high blood pressure are a leading cause of strokes.
Can stress cause a stroke? Not directly, but it may increase cardiovascular health risks.
Interested in stroke prevention and managing stress in seniors? Read on to learn more!
Stress Responses
A little stress is normal. It’s our body’s response to frustrating or difficult situations.
There are three main types of stress:
- Acute stress
- Episodic acute stress
- Chronic stress
Acute stress occurs during a sudden or intense situation. The body reacts quickly, but the response is short-lived; once the situation is over, the body calms down. In small doses, this type of stress can motivate you to handle tough situations.
Having episodic acute stress means you experience acute stress a lot. For example, perhaps you’re struggling financially or know someone with a serious illness. These ongoing situations can cause recurring stress.
Chronic stress is long-term and occurs when situations don’t have a clear endpoint. This stress keeps the body in a constant state of high alert. It can drain you and cause health issues.
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Damage to the arteries
- Heartburn
- Headaches
- Rapid breathing
- Increased risk of depression
- Stomachaches
- Weakened immune systems
- Insomnia
- Tense muscles
Stress also alters brain function, affecting:
- Decision-making
- Emotional regulation
- Memory
Stress and Heart Health
Stress can increase your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. These responses put more strain on your blood vessels and heart.
During stressful situations, the brain releases two primary chemicals: cortisol and adrenaline.
Cortisol does the following:
- Regulates how the body uses glucose for energy
- Regulates blood pressure
- Helps control the sleep-wake cycle
- Suppresses inflammation
High cortisol levels can cause high blood pressure and high blood sugar. This could increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. Adrenaline increases your blood pressure and heart rate, helping blood pump to vital organs.
Both chemicals can cause high blood pressure. There’s a connection between high blood pressure and stroke. According to a systematic review in the International Journal of Cardiology Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention, higher levels of stress hormones are associated with higher risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular Health Risks
Stress contributes to poor health behaviors, which may increase your risk for stroke and heart disease. Risks include:
- Being overweight
- Not taking prescribed medications
- Overeating
- Smoking
- Not exercising
- Not getting enough sleep
- Eating an unhealthy diet
If these cardiovascular health risks sound familiar, consult a doctor. They can help you develop a treatment plan for stroke prevention.
Can Stress Cause a Stroke?
Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is impeded, causing a lack of oxygen. The lack of oxygen causes cells in the brain to die. This impediment can occur due to a burst or blocked blood vessel.
Can stress cause a stroke? Chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of stroke. Factors that can increase the risk include:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Inflammation
- Increased cholesterol
Stress causes a spike in blood pressure. Hypertension (long-term high blood pressure) is a leading risk factor for stroke. It can damage your blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of a clot or rupture.
Chronic stress may cause inflammation, which can affect your blood vessels. Over time, it could lead to a clot.
Stress may raise your “bad” cholesterol levels. Cholesterol can build up in your arteries, increasing the likelihood of a blockage.
Stress can have long-term effects on the body that may make a stroke more likely. Reducing stress levels may benefit your stroke prevention efforts.
Stroke Prevention
Developing a stroke prevention plan can improve your longevity and quality of life. Here are a few tips for managing stress in seniors.
Mindfulness Meditation
A regular mindfulness practice may help:
- Lower cortisol levels
- Improve mental clarity
- Reduce anxiety
Try to focus on the present moment for five to 10 minutes a day. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Imagine the air moving into your nose, through your lungs, and out of your mouth.
The next time you feel stressed, focus on your breathing. Deep breathing exercises will calm your body down, stabilize your heart rate, and lower stress hormones.
You can apply other relaxation techniques to minimize stress, including:
- Yoga
- Journaling
- Meditation
Exercise Daily
Exercise helps the body release chemicals that may boost your energy and mood. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity daily.
Explore your South Carolina senior living community’s wellness program for fitness classes. These may include:
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Walking
- Strength training
Build a Support System
Lean on your support system the next time you feel stressed. Their unique perspectives can help you navigate stressful situations.
Schedule time each week to talk with people who make you feel supported. You can have coffee, enjoy a meal together, or go for a walk.
Spending time with friends will encourage you to laugh more. Laughter triggers the release of feel-good hormones that can reduce stress and improve your mood.
Social isolation and loneliness may increase your risk of health problems. Instead, visit your local senior living community. You can make new friends, join a support group, and gain a new sense of community.
Get Enough Sleep
Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Feeling well-rested will equip your body to handle otherwise overwhelming situations.
Make sure your living space is comfortable and quiet. Consider moving into a senior living community like TerraBella Summerville. Improving your environment can help you get the rest you need.
Adjust Your Diet
Caffeine and alcohol may make your stress worse. They can also interfere with your sleep health. Instead, try drinking herbal tea or water throughout the day.
Start Managing Stress in Seniors
To recap, can stress cause a stroke? Indirectly, yes, stress may increase your risk.
If you’re concerned about stress and heart health, consider moving into a senior living community like TerraBella Summerville. Our resident-centered community in Summerville, SC, features a compassionate staff, personalized care, and exclusive lifestyle programs.
We deliver an elevated standard of living for all our residents. Contact us now to schedule a tour!
