Strokes Can Be Linked To Stress

Strokes Can Be Linked To Stress

by CBC Health Doctors

Stress burdens your psyche as well as your body with additional emotional and physical tension, and it can easily take control of your life if you let it. Whether it surrounds your health, work, or personal life, it’s easy to allow this weight to hang over your shoulders for long periods of time; days, months, even years.

How stress can affect our daily life


Not many people understand how significantly stress can affect our daily lives both mentally and physically. Stress can lead to myriad health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Studies show that stress is a risk factor for stroke.
 

 

How Is Stress Linked To Having A Stroke?

Stress can lead to hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure. When you get stressed out, your body sends stress hormones – adrenaline and cortisol – into the bloodstream. There becomes a drastic spike in blood pressure, causing your heart to beat faster and narrowing the blood vessels. 

The more stress there is in the body, the more pressurized the blood vessels are. This makes people more prone to heart disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke, heart attack, and life-threatening conditions more.

 

Signs of Blood Pressure Spike:

  • Blurred vision
  • Chest pain
  • Headache
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness or numbness in your arms, legs, face
  • Anxiety

 

Tips to Relieve Stress and Anxiety

Trying to get rid of stress or anxiety is easier said than done, and it doesn’t happen instantly. By having these tips and tricks up your sleeve, the next time you are going through an anxiety attack or feel stress creeping up on you, you’ll know exactly what to do to get rid of it.

 

Exercise
Exercise can allow you to mentally and physically “check out” from the outside world.  Most importantly, when exercising or doing any physical activity, the brain produces endorphins. These are the body’s natural painkillers which reduce stress and anxiety.

Read more about stroke effects on survivors

 

Reduce Caffeine Intake

Caffeine is consumed to restore mental alertness or wakefulness. It’s a stimulant that can help you wake up each morning but inevitably results in an energy crash later in the day. Having too much caffeine within 24 hours can elevate your cortisol levels (stress hormones).

Journal
Journaling and writing down a to-do list can help you cope with stress by giving you something to cross off once finished. As your daily to-do list shrinks, you develop a feeling of accomplishment which can ease your stress knowing you got things done that day. Also, daily or weekly journaling can help you reflect on the day, from whatever is going on in your work or personal life. It can provide you with a sense of peacefulness and clarity. 

 

Spend Time With Friends and Family

Being around family and friends is another de-stressor that you can incorporate into your daily or weekly routine. By spending time with those you love, you tend to forget about insignificant things and allow yourself to unwind, relax, and fave fun.

Consider Supplements
Certain supplements are helpful in reducing stress and anxiety. Green tea has many benefits for the mind and body. It’s high in antioxidants, which promote heart and brain health. It improves liver function, reduces cancer risk, and can lower blood sugar. It’s also great for the skin and can promote weight loss. Lower your stress level by taking care of yourself, consciously avoiding individual stressors, and rebalancing your mind and body.

Other supplements that can reduce stress include magnesium, vitamin B-complex, and herbal supplements.