Can Stress Cause a Stroke? What Seniors Need to Know
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2022, about one in six deaths from cardiovascular disease were due to stroke. Every 40 seconds, a person in the United States has a stroke, adding up to about 795,000 people a year.
Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. If you're interested in stroke prevention, you need to consider your lifestyle and senior heart health.
For example, can stress cause a stroke? Read on to find out!
Aging and Cardiovascular Health
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or becomes blocked by a clot. This keeps blood, oxygen, and nutrients from reaching the brain, causing brain cells to die.
Loss of blood flow to the brain can damage brain tissue. This causes symptoms to appear in body parts that are controlled by these damaged portions of the brain. Common stroke symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Slurred speech
- Confusion or disorientation
- A severe, sudden headache
- Paralysis
- Trouble speaking or understanding
- Numbness in the face, leg, or arm
- Vision problems
- Loss of balance
- Trouble walking
- A lack of responsiveness
If you believe you or a loved one is having a stroke, call for medical attention right away. Acting quickly may help ensure a better outcome. It could help prevent long-term disability, brain damage, or death.
Risk Factors
Common risk factors that may make you more susceptible to stroke include:
- Aging
- Tobacco use
- Physical inactivity
- An unbalanced diet
- Having a family history of stroke
- Heavy alcohol use
- Certain medical conditions
According to the research journal Aging, aging is the most robust non-modifiable risk factor for incident stroke. Your risk doubles every ten years after you turn 55. About 75% of all strokes occur in people over age 65.
Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol can also increase your risk.
Hypertension in Seniors
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is common in seniors. Your vascular system changes as you get older. Having stiff arteries can cause your blood pressure to rise.
Neglecting to control high blood pressure can increase your risk of serious health problems, including:
- Heart disease
- Eye problems
- Kidney disease
- Stroke
- Vascular dementia
Lifestyle changes may help with stroke prevention as you lower your blood pressure. These changes include:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Exercising
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Drinking less alcohol
- Cutting down on salt
- Not smoking
- Managing stress
- Getting enough sleep
High blood pressure affects nearly half of all adults. As a "silent killer," however, not many seniors are aware they have it. Consult a physician to monitor and improve your blood pressure.
Can Stress Cause a Stroke?
When you're stressed, the brain releases two primary chemicals: adrenaline and cortisol.
Adrenaline can cause your blood pressure to rise and your heart to beat faster. Cortisol adds glucose to the bloodstream to give you energy. Usually, this response ends once the threat is gone.
If you have chronic stress, however, your body will maintain this stress response. Excess cortisol can disrupt other bodily processes, increasing your risk of:
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Memory and focus issues
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Digestive issues
- Muscle tension and pain
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart attack
Both adrenaline and cortisol can increase your blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure can weaken your blood vessels, causing a hemorrhagic stroke. These strokes occur due to bleeding in the brain.
So, can stress cause a stroke? Though the short answer is no, the long answer is that stress can increase your risk.
Remaining under constant stress causes persistent high levels of stress hormones. Your body will retain salt, which increases your blood pressure. This can put stress on your blood vessels over time.
Tips for Managing Stress
Common signs of stress in seniors include:
- Irritability
- Crying
- Poor concentration
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Digestive issues
- Heart palpitations
- Social withdrawal
If these symptoms sound familiar, consider making a few lifestyle changes to improve your senior heart health and stress levels. According to the American Heart Association, up to 80% of strokes may be preventable. Here are a few tips for managing stress in seniors that may help reduce your risk of a stroke.
Exercise Daily
Daily exercise may help:
- Prevent bone loss
- Have protective effects against chronic illness
- Relieve osteoarthritis pain
- Boost your immune system
- Improve your mood
Exercising helps the body produce feel-good chemicals that may relieve stress. Explore your Lincolnton senior living community's wellness program for classes, such as:
- Yoga
- Aerobic exercise
- Tai chi
- Strength training
Participating with friends can provide you with motivation and social connection. It also adds a layer of safety for older adults. They can make working out a fun part of your stroke prevention routine.
Develop Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness practices include:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Gratitude
- Meditation
- Positive visualization
Try a few different approaches to determine which works best for you. These practices can help you focus on the present, calm racing thoughts, and relieve tense muscles.
Build a Support System
Social isolation and loneliness can increase your risk of anxiety, depression, and stress. Instead, find opportunities to connect with other seniors at your Lincolnton senior living community.
Engage in fun activities together, such as:
- Walking
- Painting or drawing
- Crocheting or knitting
- Dancing
- Playing an instrument
Having a hobby can become a great source of stress relief. It also gives you the chance to learn something new, triggering new neural pathways to form.
Choose Senior Living
Living alone and trying to maintain a home can become stressful. Instead, consider moving into a Lincolnton senior living community. You can rely on their exclusive lifestyle programs, including:
- Chef-prepared homestyle dining
- Fun events and activities
- Health and wellness
These programs can help you make the most of your golden years without stress.
Prioritize Senior Heart Health
To recap, can stress cause a stroke? Not directly, but it can increase your risk. Moving into a senior living community may help reduce stress, potentially benefiting your senior heart health.
Look no further than TerraBella Lincolnton, which is designed to provide a lifestyle that enhances each resident's life as they age. Discover our comfortable living options, personalized care, and compassionate staff. Contact us now to schedule a tour!