Located just 32 miles from New Orleans, Slidell, LA, is a great place to retire within striking distance of one of the South’s most vibrant cities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2,724 people died from strokes in Louisiana in 2022. Although a stroke can happen at any age, as we get older, our risk increases. Therefore, it’s natural to take every precaution to prevent strokes, which not only cause deaths but also disabilities each year.
You may be wondering, can stress cause a stroke? Stress is a natural part of life, but chronic stress is associated with many serious health conditions. This includes strokes.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the link between stress and strokes. We’ll also discuss senior stroke prevention strategies and the effects of stress on aging adults to help seniors stay healthy for longer.
Can Stress Cause a Stroke?
According to a review by Harvard Health, there is a strong link between stressful events and strokes.
The research team discovered a link between anger and stroke risk. The research quoted stated that 1 in 11 stroke survivors had been angry or upset in the hour prior to the stroke.
However, other sources take a more nuanced approach. According to UnityPoint Health, the answer to can stress cause a stroke is “possibly.”
What medical experts agree on, though, is that long-term stress increases your risk of one day experiencing a stroke.
Stress and Strokes: Protecting Brain Health in Older Adults
A study published in the journal Stroke found that there is a link between increased levels of stress, hostility, and the symptoms of depression and strokes in middle-aged and older adults.
But why does stress increase seniors’ risks of having a stroke?
High Blood Pressure and Stroke
One of the biggest high blood pressure risks in seniors is having a stroke. Chronic stress can cause high blood pressure.
When we’re stressed, our blood vessels constrict. When this happens repeatedly, the veins and arteries weaken. This makes them more likely to rupture or become blocked, which are two major causes of stroke.
Therefore, managing stress is crucial to keeping blood pressure down and maintaining good brain health in older adults.
Inflammation and Strokes in Seniors
When we experience long-term stress, inflammation levels in our bodies rise. This can damage our blood vessels and make blood clots more likely. According to the American Heart Association, inflammation is linked with a higher risk of stroke.
Therefore, if we reduce stress, we can reduce inflammation in our bodies. This, in turn, could reduce our risk of stroke.
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Whether we’re young or old, Louisianans are more likely to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms when stressed. These include:
- Smoking
- Overeating
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Not exercising
These habits make it more likely that seniors will develop obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. As highlighted by the American Stroke Association, making lifestyle changes is key to senior stroke prevention.
The Effects of Stress on Aging and Brain Health
Stress does not just increase the likelihood of stroke. It can also accelerate the aging process and impact overall brain function. Understanding the effects of stress on aging can help seniors manage their stress to improve their brain health.
Cognitive Decline and Stress
A study on Science Direct demonstrated that chronic stress leads to “synaptic and neuronal loss and cognitive deficits.” Simply put, stress can cause brain cell death. This can cause cognitive difficulties.
Reduced Brain Plasticity
Good brain health in older adults depends on neuroplasticity. This is the brains ability to adapt and make new connections. However, chronic stress makes this process more difficult. However, mentally stimulating activities could help to promote these connections.
Increased Anxiety and Depression
Older adults who experience long-term stress are more likely to develop anxiety or depression. These conditions are linked with an increased risk of stroke. However, both conditions may be preventable.
Managing Stress for Seniors
To reduce your risk of stroke and its consequences, it is crucial to manage your stress. There are simple techniques for managing stress for seniors that can make a huge difference to how you feel and protect your brain health.
Relaxation Techniques
Why not try to learn a few simple relaxation techniques that you can use whenever you feel stressed? Some popular and effective techniques include:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Music therapy
- Aromatherapy
Stay Socially Connected
We may jokingly say that other people are the main cause of our stress! However, isolation is even worse and can cause many negative effects on our health. It is very important to make time for others regularly, and this can help to reduce our stress.
When we maintain social connections, we have another person to discuss our concerns with. Also, listening to others helps us practice empathy. This can help to keep our problems in perspective and reduce our feelings of stress.
Independent living and assisted living communities provide the perfect settings for regular social connections. They have packed activity calendars that bring people together. When you live in a community, there is always someone on hand to connect with socially, and you need never feel alone.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
While junk food and alcohol can increase our stroke risk, healthy food and exercise can reduce it! So make time for:
- Fitness classes tailored to seniors
- Heart-healthy diet, including vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated
Getting enough quality sleep is also good for heart and brain health. Aim for 7-9 hours of solid sleep each night.
Reduce Your Stress at SummerHouse Park Provence
So, can stress cause a stroke? Yes, it can. Possibly directly, with some occurring shortly after stressful events, and chronic stress definitely increases our stroke risk.
The answer is clear – now is the time to reduce your stress! One of the best ways to do this is by moving to SummerHouse Park Provence. Our independent living community offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so there’s no risk and no stress when you try us out.
Come and discover how good life can be at SummerHouse Park Provence. Contact us to schedule a tour today!
