Stress raises stroke risk in younger women: Neurologist tells you how to unwind | Health and Wellness News

Stress is riskier for women than men as it triggers brain strokes in them, according to a recent study published in the journal Neurology. Researchers found a link between chronic stress and stroke risk in younger women (ages 18-49) but not in men. They also found that moderate stress levels were associated with a 78 per cent higher risk in women.

While the team at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, found an association between stress and strokes, they didn’t list it as a direct cause. However, even this association is important as stress can contribute to high blood pressure and inflammation, both of which are high-risk triggers for strokes. The researchers recruited 426 people between 18 and 49, all of whom had an ischemic stroke and about half of whom were women. The team had another group of 426 people who had never had a stroke. Surveys revealed that those who had strokes experienced significantly higher levels of stress.

According to Dr PN Renjen, senior consultant, neurology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, “Women are more sensitive to stress hormones. Besides, they have more stressors as they multitask between work and home, still carrying the heft of care-giving.”

How is stress a big risk factor for stroke?

Story continues below this ad

Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of sugar and fat in the blood, creating conditions for forming blood clots, which block blood vessels in the brain, leading to a stroke. Additionally, stress may lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet, further increasing susceptibility to stroke.

Why do women tend to suffer more from stress than men?

Biologically, women are more sensitive to stress hormones like the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), with their neurons binding more tightly to these hormones and showing lesser adaptive responses than men. Socially, women face added pressures from caregiving responsibilities, workplace inequities, and societal expectations. These cause depression, anxiety disorders and emotional exhaustion. Research highlights that younger women report higher stress levels due to limited coping strategies at earlier life stages.

What should women do to lower their stress levels?

Women can manage stress effectively by adopting healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation, and seeking emotional support from friends or professionals. Engage in hobbies or self-care activities. It is also important for women to recognize the signs of chronic stress early and address underlying causes such as workload or relationship issues through structured problem-solving or counselling.

Story continues below this ad

What should your immediate response be to a stressful situation?

For immediate stress management, techniques like counting to ten before reacting, practising positive self-talk, or stepping away from the situation can help you regain composure. Just do deep breathing exercises to activate your body’s relaxation response, reducing heart rate and tension. Mindfulness meditation is another effective technique, encouraging focus on the present moment and breaking the cycle of anxious thoughts. Physical activity, such as a brisk walk or yoga, can release endorphins, improving mood and reducing stress hormones.