We’ve long known that stress can take a toll on our mental and physical health — but could it also increase the risk of stroke in younger women? A new study published in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, suggests there may be a connection.
🔍 What the Study Looked At
Researchers from Helsinki University Hospital examined 426 people aged 18–49 who had experienced an ischemic stroke with no known cause. They compared them to another group of 426 people of the same age and sex who hadn’t had a stroke.
Participants completed a stress questionnaire, answering questions like, “How often have you felt unable to control the important things in your life?” Their responses were scored on a scale from 0 to 40:
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0–13 = Low stress
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14–26 = Moderate stress
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27–40 = High stress
People who had a stroke reported higher stress levels on average (score of 13) compared to those who hadn’t had a stroke (score of 10). Notably, 46% of those with stroke had moderate to high stress levels, compared to just 33% of the control group.
🧬 The Surprising Gender Difference
After adjusting for other risk factors like education level, blood pressure, and alcohol use, researchers found something striking:
Women with moderate stress had a 78% higher risk of stroke.
Women with high stress had a 6% higher risk.
But here’s the twist: No such link was found in men.
Why is this? Researchers aren’t yet sure. It could relate to how stress affects women's bodies differently — possibly involving hormonal or inflammatory responses — but more research is needed to fully understand the “why.”
🧠 What Is an Ischemic Stroke?
Ischemic strokes occur when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, often by a blood clot. They’re the most common type of stroke and can cause:
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Sudden weakness or numbness
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Difficulty speaking
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Vision problems
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Severe headaches
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Even death, if not treated quickly
💡 What This Means for You
This study doesn’t prove that stress causes stroke — it only shows an association. But it highlights something important: Chronic stress isn't just a mental health issue — it could also affect your brain and heart.
Young women, in particular, may need to take stress symptoms more seriously — especially in high-pressure environments or during major life transitions.
⚠️ The Takeaway
If you're frequently feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or emotionally drained, you're not alone — and it may be worth checking in with your healthcare provider. Reducing chronic stress could be more than just a quality-of-life improvement — it might be a lifesaving step.
Sources:
Study published March 5, 2025, in Neurology®, American Academy of Neurology
Research supported by Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District, Academy of Finland, and others.
