Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. In Ireland alone, around 7,500 people suffer a stroke each year, and approximately 2,000 of them do not survive.
Many others are left with long-term disabilities, affecting their ability to move, speak, or take care of themselves. Currently, about 30,000 people in Ireland are living with disabilities caused by a stroke.
A recent study from the National University of Ireland has shed light on possible triggers that may increase the risk of stroke. Researchers found that strong emotions, such as anger or distress, and intense physical activity may play a role in triggering a stroke.
According to the study, one in 11 stroke survivors reported feeling very upset or angry in the hour before their stroke, while one in 20 had engaged in strenuous physical effort.
This study was part of the larger INTERSTROKE project, which is one of the most extensive stroke studies ever conducted. It involved 13,462 stroke patients from 32 different countries, covering people from different ethnic backgrounds. The average age of the participants was 62.
The researchers focused on two main types of strokes. The first type, ischemic stroke, is the most common. It happens when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel leading to the brain, cutting off oxygen supply. The second type, intracerebral hemorrhage, is less common but more severe. It occurs when a blood vessel bursts and causes bleeding in the brain.
The findings showed that experiencing anger or emotional distress increased the risk of having a stroke by about 30% in the following hour. The risk was even higher for those who did not have a history of depression.
Meanwhile, intense physical exertion, such as lifting heavy objects or exercising at maximum effort, was linked to a 60% higher risk of suffering an intracerebral hemorrhage during the hour after the activity. Women were found to be at greater risk from heavy exertion, while those with a normal body weight were less likely to be affected.
Interestingly, the study did not find any extra risk for people who experienced both emotional distress and heavy physical activity at the same time.
The researchers believe these findings highlight the importance of taking care of both mental and physical health.
While regular exercise is essential for overall well-being, those at high risk of cardiovascular disease should be cautious about overexerting themselves. It is important to find a balance between staying active and avoiding unnecessary stress on the body.
Although anger and heavy exertion appear to increase stroke risk in the short term, it is also important to remember that overall lifestyle choices have a much bigger impact on long-term health. A healthy diet, regular moderate exercise, and stress management can help reduce the chances of stroke and other serious health problems.
This study helps us understand more about the triggers of stroke and reminds us that looking after our emotions is just as important as taking care of our physical health.
If you care about stroke, please read studies that diets high in flavonoids could help reduce stroke risk, and MIND diet could slow down cognitive decline after stroke.
For more health information, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce the risk of dementia, and tea and coffee may help lower your risk of stroke, dementia.
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