Depression, Stress, Hostility All Linked to Increased Stroke

Depression, Stress, Hostility All Linked to Increased Stroke

Depression, chronic stress, or exhibiting hostility or cynicism can increase the risk for stroke, and in the case of having a cynical outlook on the world, can double that risk, a new study suggests.

The findings highlight the potential impact of these psychosocial factors on brain health, said lead author Susan Everson-Rose, PhD, associate professor, medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. “Intuitively, you might think it’s true, but it provides empirical support for that.”

Physicians are typically focused on traditional risk factors, for example, whether a patient smokes or has high blood pressure. “This study shows that It’s also important to pay attention to these psychological factors and know that they can have a negative impact on health,” said Dr. Everson-Rose.

The study was published online July 10 in Stroke.

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