Association of Emotional Stress and Adaptive Behavior with Stroke Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Jianyu Liu1,2, Chunlan Pu3, Cao Liu4
1Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China. jianyu_liu@swjtu.edu.cn.
Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
|June 18, 2025
Summary
Emotional stress and lifestyle choices like leisure activities and exercise impact stroke risk. Understanding these links may help prevent strokes by modifying behaviors and managing stress.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Emotional stress and adaptive behaviors are recognized cardiovascular risk factors.
- Direct evidence linking these factors to stroke risk is limited.
- This study investigates the genetic associations between emotional stress, adaptive behaviors, and stroke subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the associations between emotional stress, adaptive behaviors, and stroke risk.
- To explore potential causal relationships using Mendelian randomization.
- To identify specific emotional states and behaviors influencing different stroke types.
Main Methods:
- Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using large biobank data (UK Biobank, FinnGen).
- Product of coefficients method for estimating indirect effects.
- Mediation analyses to explore mediating factors like hypertension and diabetes.
Main Results:
- Low family relationship satisfaction and mood swings increased overall and ischemic stroke risk.
- Group leisure activities reduced stroke risk, while vigorous activity and prolonged TV watching increased it.
- Hypertension, diabetes, and heart diseases were identified as potential mediators.
Conclusions:
- Genetic evidence supports a causal link between emotional stress, adaptive behaviors, and stroke.
- Modifiable behaviors and stress management may offer stroke prevention strategies.
- Further validation in prospective studies is needed.
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