Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
04:38
A Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Technique for Inducing Post-stroke Depression in Rats
Published on: May 22, 2019
10.7K
Acute Psychological Stress is a Trigger for Stroke: A Case-Crossover Study
Manya Prasad1, Pardeep Khanna2, V K Katyal3
1Department of Community Medicine, North DMC Medical College and Hindu Rao Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Summary
Acute psychological stress significantly increases stroke risk. Experiencing stress in the two hours before an event raised stroke odds by 3.4 times, highlighting stress as a potential trigger.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Traditional stroke risk factors (chronic diseases) explain variation but not event timing.
- Acute events like stroke are often preceded by episodes of acute psychological stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if acute psychological stress acts as a triggering factor for stroke occurrence.
- To determine the short-term impact of psychological stress on stroke risk.
Main Methods:
- Case-crossover study design involving 151 stroke patients.
- Patients reported psychological stress during a 2-hour hazard period and a 2-hour control period (previous day).
- Conditional logistic regression analyzed stress exposure during hazard vs. control periods.
Main Results:
- Acute psychological stress was associated with a 3.4-fold increased odds of stroke within 2 hours post-exposure.
- This association remained significant (95% CI 1.55-7.50) compared to periods without stress triggers.
Conclusions:
- Acute psychological stress is identified as a potential independent triggering factor for stroke.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms of this short-term risk increase.
More Related Videos
06:55An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
Published on: December 2, 2015
23.2K
05:32Author Spotlight: Assessing Ischemic Stroke Damage Through Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model
Published on: August 11, 2023
2.7K
Related Concept Videos
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
279
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
279
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
446
Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
446
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
424
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
424
01:23Types of Stressors
546
A stressor is any event, condition, or stimulus that triggers stress and causes a physical or psychological response in the body. Stressors can be categorized into three main types: catastrophes; significant life changes; and daily hassles, including social stress. Each can be detrimental to physical and mental well-being.
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
546
01:30Stress and Mental Health
428
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
428
01:19Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
362
Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
362