Moderate Stress Linked to 78% Higher Stroke Risk in Young Women, Study Finds

New research highlights gender differences in stress-related stroke risk, with women facing significantly higher vulnerability than men.

A study published in Neurology found that moderate stress increases the risk of ischemic stroke by 78% in women aged 18 to 49, but no similar link was observed in men.
The research analyzed 426 stroke patients and 426 healthy participants, using a stress questionnaire to assess perceived stress levels in the month prior to the stroke.
Women were more likely to report moderate-to-high stress, with 46% of stroke patients falling into this category compared to 33% of the control group.
Researchers suggest societal and psychological factors, such as juggling work, family, and caregiving roles, may contribute to the higher stress levels reported by women.
The study calls for further research to understand why moderate stress poses a greater stroke risk than high stress and why this association is absent in men.