The negative consequence of anxiety, such as an increased risk of developing coronary heart failure, has long been known in the medical community. According to the latest data, people with high levels of anxiety also have an increased risk of stroke. The study was conducted by scientists from the University of Pittsburgh (USA), its results are published in the journal Stroke . Anxiety disorders with fear and anxiety are common in nearly 20% of the US adult population. The duration of such disorders in patients is at least 6 months.
People with anxiety disorders have an increased risk of stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is cut off and oxygen and nutrients vital to the brain are not supplied in sufficient quantities. When this happens, brain cells die off, and depending on which half of the brain the stroke is associated with, the symptoms may include paralysis of the limbs, blurred vision or speech problems, memory loss, and changes in behavior.
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability, the researchers note. Maya Lambiase , author of the study, argues that anxiety is common in the general population. Assessing and treating anxiety is important not only to improve quality of life, but also to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as stroke, in older age. Dr. Lambiase stated that even a small increase in anxiety is associated with an increased risk of stroke.
Scientists analyzed the behavior of more than 6,000 people between the ages of 25 and 74 who had never had a stroke. Participants filled out questionnaires that assessed levels of anxiety and depression, and then began a large-scale study, during which scientists tracked cases of stroke, focusing on data from death certificates and reports from hospitals and nursing homes. The results showed that participants with high levels of anxiety suffered 33% more stroke than those with less anxiety. It has also been found that people with high levels of anxiety are more likely to smoke and are physically inactive.