Stroke is a serious medical condition that ranks as the second leading cause of death worldwide. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that, if you’re a man and your parents divorced before you were 18 years old, you’re three times more likely to have a stroke. This might sound strange at first, but let’s dive deep into the research and the implications of these findings for men across the world.
Divorce and Stroke: The Research
Researchers from the University of Toronto conducted in-depth studies to find the relationship between parental divorce and the risk of stroke in men. They came to the startling conclusion that, indeed, men whose parents’ marriage ended in divorce before they turned 18 were three times more likely to suffer a stroke compared to men with parents who remained together.
Lead author Esme Fuller-Thomson found these results to be “perplexing” and was compelled to find a possible explanation for this correlation. Even after accounting for risk factors for stroke that are already known, it was concluded that the risk still remains threefold for males from divorced families.
Stress: A Possible Explanation
One possible explanation that Esme Fuller-Thomson offers is that exposure to the stress of parental divorce can lead to lasting biological changes. These changes might affect how these boys react to stress for the rest of their lives, making them more susceptible to stroke.
Stress is considered one of the major contributors to many health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and more. According to the American Stroke Association, stress can play a significant role in causing a stroke by increasing blood pressure, which then increases the risk of a stroke. The exposure to high stress during their parents’ divorce may predispose these boys to a higher stress response, contributing to their increased risk of stroke later on in life. To learn more about the effects of stress on stroke risk, you can visit the American Stroke Association’s website.
What Can Be Done: Steps to Reduce Stroke Risk
While you might not be able to change the fact that your parents divorced when you were younger, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of stroke. These actions are imperative for all individuals, regardless of whether or not their parents went through a divorce.
1. Manage your stress levels
One of the most important things to do to lower your risk of stroke is to practice stress management. Some techniques to manage stress include:
- Practicing mindfulness and meditation
- Pursuing a hobby or engaging in physical activity
- Seeking help through therapy or support groups
By finding ways to reduce and manage your stress, you can help lower your risk of stroke.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Living a healthy lifestyle is crucial in preventing a stroke and other health issues. This includes:
- Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Engaging in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking
3. Monitor your blood pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the leading causes of stroke. By regularly monitoring your blood pressure, you can ensure that it’s within the healthy range and, if necessary, seek medical help to manage it.
4. Get regular check-ups
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important for early detection and prevention of stroke and other health conditions. During these visits, you can have your risk factors assessed, including monitoring your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Final Thoughts
Parental divorce might contribute to an increased risk of stroke in men, but there is still a lot more research to be done regarding this connection. In the meantime, all individuals can benefit from taking preventative actions to minimize the risk of stroke and lead a healthier life.
By managing stress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, monitoring your blood pressure, and getting regular check-ups, you’ll be taking important strides in reducing your stroke risk. Remember that, regardless of your family background, you have the power to take control of your health and well-being.
