Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability around the world. Every year, millions of people suffer a stroke, and many are left with lasting problems that affect their daily lives.
Some people lose the ability to speak clearly, while others struggle with movement, memory, or independence. Even when people survive a stroke, recovery can take months or years, and some may never fully regain their previous abilities.
In Ireland alone, around 7,500 people experience a stroke every year. About 2,000 people die from the condition, while many survivors continue to live with serious health challenges. Today, an estimated 30,000 people in Ireland are living with the long-term effects of stroke.
Although doctors have long known about major stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol, scientists are still trying to understand what may trigger a stroke in the minutes or hours before it happens. A new international study has now provided important clues.
Researchers from the National University of Ireland, led by Professor Andrew Smyth, have identified two possible short-term triggers that may increase the chance of having a stroke. Their findings come from the INTERSTROKE study, the largest global research project ever conducted on stroke. The results were published in the European Heart Journal.
The study included 13,462 people who had experienced a stroke across 32 countries. Participants came from many different backgrounds and had an average age of 62 years. By examining what happened shortly before each stroke occurred, the researchers hoped to discover whether certain activities or experiences might temporarily increase stroke risk.
The researchers focused on two major types of stroke. The first, called an ischemic stroke, occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to part of the brain. This is the most common type of stroke and accounts for most cases worldwide. Without enough oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes.
The second type is known as an intracerebral hemorrhage. This happens when a blood vessel inside the brain bursts and causes bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue. Although less common than ischemic stroke, this type can be especially dangerous and often causes severe damage.
One of the most surprising findings involved emotional stress. The researchers discovered that about one in every 11 stroke patients reported feeling extremely angry, upset, or emotionally distressed during the hour before their stroke occurred. These strong emotions were linked to about a 30% increase in stroke risk.
Interestingly, the increased risk was more noticeable among people who did not have depression. The researchers are not completely sure why this difference exists, but it suggests that emotional responses may affect people in different ways depending on their overall mental health.
The study also found a link between intense physical effort and stroke risk. About one in 20 patients had engaged in heavy physical activity shortly before their stroke. This was particularly associated with intracerebral hemorrhage, the type of stroke caused by bleeding inside the brain.
The researchers noted that the increased risk from intense physical exertion appeared to be stronger among women and people with a lower body mass index, commonly known as BMI. BMI is a measurement that estimates body fat based on a person’s height and weight. People with average BMI levels seemed to be less affected by this trigger.
One interesting discovery was that emotional stress and intense physical activity did not appear to combine to create an even greater risk. In other words, people who experienced both triggers did not have a significantly higher risk than those exposed to one trigger alone.
The findings do not mean that people should avoid exercise. In fact, regular physical activity remains one of the best ways to lower the long-term risk of stroke and heart disease. Exercise helps improve blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, strengthen the heart, and improve overall health.
However, the researchers suggest that people who already have risk factors for stroke may want to be cautious about sudden bursts of very intense activity, especially if they are not accustomed to it. Gradually increasing exercise levels and following medical advice may be a safer approach.
The study also highlights the importance of emotional well-being. Chronic stress, anger, and emotional distress can affect blood pressure, heart rate, and blood vessel function. Learning healthy ways to manage stress may provide benefits beyond mental health alone.
Simple strategies such as regular exercise, relaxation techniques, meditation, deep breathing exercises, talking with supportive friends or family members, counseling, and getting enough sleep may help reduce stress levels. For people who struggle with frequent anger or emotional distress, seeking professional support may be particularly helpful.
The researchers emphasize that stroke usually develops because of long-term health conditions and risk factors. A brief emotional event or a period of intense physical effort is unlikely to cause a stroke on its own in a healthy person. However, these triggers may act as the final push in people who already have underlying blood vessel problems.
The study provides valuable new information about what may happen immediately before a stroke occurs. Understanding these short-term triggers could help doctors better understand stroke mechanisms and help people at risk make informed lifestyle choices.
As scientists continue to study stroke prevention, the message remains clear: maintaining healthy blood pressure, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, controlling diabetes, managing stress, and getting regular medical care remain some of the most effective ways to reduce stroke risk.
This new research suggests that paying attention to both physical and emotional health may be an important part of that effort.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about how to eat to prevent stroke, and diets high in flavonoids could help reduce stroke risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and wild blueberries can benefit your heart and brain.
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