Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai (DD)
Mumbai, Jun 4: In today’s high-pressure world, stress has become a silent companion — tucked behind busy schedules, financial worries, and family expectations. But now, new research has sounded a loud alarm: this invisible weight could be fuelling one of the deadliest health threats of our time — stroke.
A recent study published in Neurology, the official journal of the American Academy of Neurology, has drawn a direct connection between chronic stress and an increased risk of stroke. The findings add urgency to a growing concern among health professionals — that the burden of stress, if left unchecked, could have far more serious consequences than once believed.
According to data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, nearly 12 million new stroke cases are being reported every year. What’s even more alarming is that 1 in 4 individuals over the age of 25 is likely to suffer a stroke in their lifetime. Currently, more than 94 million people worldwide live with its aftermath — many grappling with mobility issues, speech difficulties, or a lifelong dependence on others.
While the usual suspects like high blood pressure, unhealthy diet, and smoking continue to be monitored, experts now say stress deserves just as much attention. Chronic stress can alter hormone levels, increase blood pressure, and damage blood vessels — all of which heighten the stroke risk significantly.
“This study is a wake-up call,” said one health expert. “Mental well-being is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. When we ignore stress, we gamble with our future health.”
As researchers continue to explore the connection, one thing is clear: the mind and body are deeply intertwined. Stress isn’t just a mental health issue — it’s a full-body warning signal. And if ignored, it may unlock the door to devastating health events like strokes.
In a world that celebrates hustle but often overlooks health, this study is a powerful reminder: safeguarding mental health might be one of the most effective tools in preventing life-altering conditions — and saving lives.