How Stress and Hypertension Impact Early Strokes in Young Adults |

Stroke is a significant global health concern, contributing to high rates of morbidity, mortality, and disability. Although there is limited prospective evidence, psychosocial stress is thought to elevate the risk of stroke. Job strain, a widely studied form of psychosocial stress, has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. However, its association with stroke, particularly through its components like high job demands and low job control, has been observed in only some studies.
The pathogenesis of coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke shares common factors, mainly atherosclerosis.Job strain may impact the cardiovascular system through mechanisms such as activation of the neuroendocrine stress response, dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, metabolic syndrome, or indirectly through unhealthy behaviours like physical inactivity and poor diet. A meta-analysis conducted in Europe revealed that job strain was associated with approximately a 20% increased risk of acute ischemic stroke.
A study published in Neurology indicated that individuals with high-stress jobs faced a 22% higher risk of stroke compared to those with low-stress jobs. For women, this risk escalated to 33%. The study focused on ischemic stroke, the most prevalent type caused by blood flow blockage. Notably, individuals in passive and active jobs did not exhibit an increased stroke risk. The research estimated that 4.4% of the overall stroke risk could be attributed to high-stress jobs, increasing to 6.5% for women.
Recognizing the impact of stress on unhealthy behaviours, strategies to destress are crucial:

– Incorporating deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to enhance oxygen supply to the brain and physical well-being.
– Utilizing calming apps or music to improve mood.
– Introducing movement breaks during the workday or establishing an achievable exercise routine.
– Moderating alcohol consumption.
– Prioritizing healthy meals, whether prepared at home or brought to work.
– Enhancing the work environment with plants and soothing colours to create a pleasant workspace.
– Focusing on one task at a time, avoiding multitasking to manage stress levels.
– Maintaining mindfulness of blood pressure and seeking medical advice if stress becomes overwhelming in highly stressful job situations.
Emphasizing the importance of periodic breaks, avoidance of unhealthy behaviours, cultivating healthy eating habits, and incorporating daily physical activity, experts underscore the need for a holistic approach to stress management, particularly in high-stress job scenarios.
Authored by: Dr. Aashka Ponda, Consultant Neurophysician, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara