Researchers Find That Extreme Exercise and Anger May Be Contributing Factor to Stroke

A recent study highlighted that exercise and anger might be among the factors contributing to strokes. The study conducted by international researchers observed 13,000 stroke patients in over 30 nations as part of their INTERSTROKE study. 

An article published by the New York Post report stated that losing one’s temper or carrying out rigorous exercise could result in a stroke attack. The international researchers employed a “case-crossover approach,” where they tried to determine the triggers of the stroke. 

They tried to investigate whether a trigger within one hour of onset of the symptom was linked to acute stroke against the same period on the previous day. The researchers emphasized that preventing strokes is a priority for the medical expertise and, despite advances, it’s still difficult to predict when a stroke will happen.

Co-led by the National University of Ireland Galway, the study authors suggested that factors such as anger or emotional upset increased the rate of stroke risk by 30%. However, this amount has a more significant gain if the patient does not have a background of depression or attained a lower educational level.

How researchers conducted the study

The researchers examined patients who experienced an ischemic stroke and the less typical intracerebral hemorrhage. Andre Smyth, one of the lead researchers and a professor at the University, revealed that the study aimed to examine acute exposures that may act as triggers.

Previous surveys focused on medium to long-term exposures such as obesity, hypertension, and smoking. The research revealed that 1 in 20 patients had engaged in strenuous physical exertion.

There is a more significant risk of stroke in women

60% of the increase in the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage comes from heavy physical exertion. The rare form of stroke causes bleeding in the brain during that same period following heavy exertion. The study authors also revealed that women were at a greater risk of getting a stroke. 

It reported that individuals with an average body mass index or BMI is less likely to get a stroke. In support of their research, the authors stated that emotional upset connected all types s of stroke and acute heavy physical exertion linked to ICH.