Life stressors and Type A personality traits increased stroke risk independently of factors such as gender or an unhealthy lifestyle.

Are you still putting off getting started on that mindfulness meditation or registering for that yoga class down the street? Well you may not want to wait any longer – especially if you have a Type A personality.

A recent study has found that chronic stress (from major life stressors) and type A personality traits are linked to a high risk of stroke. The new study is published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

Chronic stress – defined as physical and/or mental symptoms in response to stressors lasting longer than 6 months – has been linked to a heightened risk of heart disease. But its impact on the risk of stroke has not been clear.

The study included 150 adults (average age of 54) who had been admitted once to a stroke unit and 300 randomly selected healthy people of a similar age who lived in the same neighbourhood.

Type A behaviours include hostility, aggression, impatience and a quick temper. Participants were also assessed for known biological risk factors for stroke, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Individuals were also quizzed on their lifestyle, including their caffeine, alcohol and energy drink intake, as well as whether they smoked, had a partner, and a job.

Clear Mind-Body Risks Emerge

The results showed that several factors were independently associated with a heightened risk of stroke. Compared with the healthy comparison group, the risk of a stroke was almost four times higher among those who had experienced a major life event in the previous year.

A high score on the Type A Personality scale more than doubled stroke risk, as did a current or previous history of smoking, and intake of two or more energy drinks a day. Additionally, individuals with heart rhythm disturbances were more than three times as likely to have a stroke while those with a high daytime sleepiness score almost tripled their risk. Being a man boosted the risk nine-fold.

When all factors were assessed together, a clear pattern emerged: the risk of a stroke was highly associated with both chronic stress and type A behaviors. This was the case irrespective of other risk factors, including gender and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Related Story: Chronic Anxiety May Make You Age Faster 

September 1, 2012
The Healthy Mind Network

Story Source: The above story contains original content and/or information reprinted and editorially adapted by The Healthy Mind. Material is provided by BMJ and Eurekalerts.

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