Childhood Parental Divorce Linked to 60% Higher Stroke Risk in Later Life, Study Finds

New research highlights the long-term health consequences of parental separation, with stress cited as a potential contributing factor.

A study of over 13,000 adults aged 65 and older found that those whose parents divorced before they turned 18 had a 60% higher likelihood of experiencing a stroke later in life.
The research, published in the journal PLOS One, identified parental divorce as a stroke risk factor comparable in magnitude to diabetes and being male.
Chronic stress from parental separation during childhood is believed to disrupt the body's stress response system, potentially leading to long-term health complications including stroke.
Other contributing factors may include higher rates of high blood pressure, sleep problems, and persistent stress-related health issues among children of divorced parents.
The study controlled for other risk factors such as childhood abuse, depression, and social support, but researchers noted limitations in data, including lack of information on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.