Anxiety Increases Stroke Risk

High anxiety levels were associated with an increased risk for incident stroke independent of other risk factors, including depression.

"Anxiety is a modifiable experience that is highly prevalent among the general population. Its assessment and treatment may contribute to developing more effective preventive and intervention strategies for improving overall cardiovascular health.


"Everyone has some anxiety now and then. But when it's elevated and/or chronic, it may have an effect on your vasculature years down the road.

More anxiety symptoms at baseline was associated with an increased risk for incident stroke after adjustment for standard biological and behavioral cardiovascular risk factors.

 


Chronic anxiety could lead to excess activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous system that may increase the risk for stroke.

Anxiety could also contribute to stroke or other cardiovascular disease by lowering the threshold for arrhythmia or by reducing heart rate variability