Mental stress increases risk of stroke in young women

Increased psychological stress significantly raised the risk of stroke in young women who do not have known predisposing factors for stroke, according to a large international study led by HUS Helsinki University Hospital.

The increase in risk, however, was not observed in men, said HUS in a press release on Thursday.

Studies have shown that strokes in individuals under 50 have become more common, partly for unknown reasons.

Up to 50% of young stroke patients do not have a specific cause for stroke, making these cases so-called cryptogenic strokes.

The SECRETO study included 426 individuals under 50 who had recently experienced a cryptogenic stroke and 426 age-matched control subjects.

Participants were recruited from 19 hospitals across Europe. The study collected extensive data on participants' previous medical conditions, lifestyles, and family backgrounds.

"The difference between young women and men may possibly be explained by the fact that young women have to balance different aspects of life more than men, which increases stress levels," said the first author of the article, doctoral researcher Shakar Kutal.

A stroke at a young age can affect the patient's ability to study and work, family life, and functionality for decades.

Therefore, it is essential to further investigate the mechanisms between stress and stroke risk, the researchers emphasize. Measures aimed at preventing strokes and advancing research are crucial for society.

The study results have been published in the journal Neurology. The study is part of the international SECRETO multicenter study (Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young: Revealing the Etiology, Triggers, and Outcome), led by HUS Neurology, which investigates the causes and background factors of cryptogenic strokes in young people.