Stroke & Stress

A questionable relationship exists between stroke and stress. Many wonder if the two conditions are related, and if so, how. What we do know is that stress can indirectly influence a stroke because it's a risk factor of medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension that increase the risk for stroke. But even if stress doesn't cause stroke, it becomes a concern after a stroke.

Facts

• Strokes are triggered because of blood clots, ruptures or aneurysms in the blood vessels. This interrupts the flow of oxygen being carried by the blood supply. Without a continuous supply of oxygen the body's functions and systems shut down. A stroke can cause brain damage that results in impaired functions or death. According to neurologist, Dr. Olajide Williams, people who experience stress from week to week are at a greater risk of suffering a stroke than people who experience less stress, but exhibit several risk factors related to heart disease.

Types

• The most common is thrombotic stroke that's caused by a blood clot that forms in the artery of the brain. The embolic stroke is caused by a blood clot in a different part of the body. The clot breaks away and moves through the blood stream to the brain. When the clot can no longer be carried through the blood vessels, it stops, blocking the flow of blood and causing an embolic stroke. Then there is the hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.

Stroke & Stress

• A life filled with continuous stress can lead to high cholesterol and increased blood pressure. Both increase the risk of developing stroke. Even though stress doesn't cause stroke, dealing with stress inappropriately can lead to risk factors that do. If you eat fatty foods, overeat, and overindulge in alcohol, each of those habits will increase your cholesterol and blood pressure.

After Stroke

• When someone survives a stroke the body sustain some damage. The time it takes to recover depends on the person and the type of stroke. Stroke depletes the body of energy and nutrients leaving the survivors extremely weak. For some survivors, recovery could take several years. That time will involve physical therapy, counseling and speech therapy. It can be a stressful process knowing you can't perform the tasks you used to before the stroke.

Symptoms of Stress & Stroke

• After a stroke the body will experience physical and emotional stress. It changes everything. The body undergoes stress to relearn how to function properly. It's a challenge the body and survivor endure to regain a healthy body. In addition to physical changes, family and friends may observe a change in personality. The person before the stroke may have been quiet and gentle, but now they're loud and display angry outbursts. All of these changes take a toll on the survivor who at one time was able to walk on his own, dress and feed themselves, communicate through speech and writing, and better manage emotions. The emotional stress patients may experience include fear, anxiety and depression.