If you’ve already had a stroke, you might know the answer. Then again, you might not. But if you think back right before the stroke came, you might realize the truth of that question.
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Most people already understand that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking increase a person’s risk of stroke. But without those negative situations, can plain old stress cause a stroke? Unfortunately, studies have shown so, all around the world.
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The Copenhagen City Heart Study, who asked people about their stress levels and analyzed their health, concludes, “Self-reported high-stress intensity and weekly stress were associated with a higher risk of fatal stroke compared with no stress.”
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The American Academy of Neurology says that anger and other negative emotions may be triggers for ischemic stroke. The study found that people who had strokes were more likely to have experienced anger or negative emotions in the two hours prior to the stroke than at the same time the day before the stroke.
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They were also more certain to have reacted fast to a surprising event, such as arising at night suddenly after hearing a child tumble and cry or standing up from a chair in haste after witnessing a tumultuous noise.
- Chest pain
- Sudden headaches
- Low energy
- Stomach problems such as diarrhea
- Tense muscles
- Shaking and/or cold sweaty hands
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
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Stress can also cause emotional and cognitive issues such as the onslaught of frustration regularly or constant memory loss. Since there is a strong tie between stress and stroke, it’s important to find ways to incorporate lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, doing meaningful exercises, and practicing meditation.
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