Can experiencing stressful life events be a risk factor of stroke?

Abstract

Present study was aimed to check if stressful life events can play a role in developing stroke and to estimate its magnitude. In a hospital based case-control study in 2003-2004, a total of 150 stroke cases along with 150 controls were enrolled. Study participants were selected from those patients hospitalized in Alavi, Bouali and Fatemi university hospitals located in Ardabil, North-west of Iran. Participants were interviewed and a questionnaire containing demographic information, known stroke risk factors and validated questions of stressful life events (Holmes Rahe scale) was filled out for them. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 13 statistical package. Logistic regression was the main method of data analysis. Demographic characteristics in case and control groups were not statistically different. Patients had a higher score of stressful life events than controls. Mean score of family problems was 11.2 for stroke patients compared to 8.2 among control group patients. The difference was statistically significant. Fifty one percent of patients in case group had life changes compared to 27.8% in control group. Odds of disease for those having stress through life changes was 2.7 (95% CI: 1.5-4.8). There was a graded association between degree of psychological stress and risk of stroke. The findings of this case control study showed that experiencing stressful life events can be a risk factor of stroke.