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!
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:
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.
Common risk factors that may make you more susceptible to stroke include:
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 (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:
Lifestyle changes may help with stroke prevention as you lower your blood pressure. These changes include:
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.
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:
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.
Common signs of stress in seniors include:
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.
Daily exercise may help:
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:
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.
Mindfulness practices include:
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.
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:
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.
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:
These programs can help you make the most of your golden years without stress.
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!