The association between self-perceived stress and ischemic stroke risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

TL;DR

This study finds that high self-perceived stress increases the risk of ischemic stroke, particularly in women and those with moderate to high stress levels.

Contribution

This is the first meta-analysis to establish a clear link between self-perceived stress and increased stroke risk.

Findings

Self-perceived stress is independently associated with increased stroke risk.

High self-perceived stress significantly elevates stroke risk, but low stress does not.

Elevated self-perceived stress correlates with higher stroke mortality, especially in women.

Abstract

An increasing body of research indicates that psychological stress is a contributing factor to stroke. Nonetheless, the correlations between self-perceived stress and stroke remain ambiguous. We performed the first meta-analysis on the correlation between self-perceived stress and stroke risk, establishing a clear relationship between self-perceived stress and stroke.

Two reviewers independently searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE database) for stroke and self-perceived stress studies. Studies employing the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Single question, or 2 single-item questions assessment tools were included, studies were executed and presented in English from inception to March 7, 2025. Eleven papers were included into this meta-analysis.

(1) In our meta-analysis, the multivariable-adjusted relative risk (RR) indicated that self-perceived stress was independently associated with stroke risk. (2) Subgroup analysis revealed that individuals with high self-perceived stress had a significantly elevated stroke risk, whereas no significant association was observed in those with low self-perceived stress. (3) Furthermore, our meta-analysis demonstrated that elevated self-perceived stress was associated with higher stroke mortality; (4) In sex-specific analysis, self-perceived stress was significantly associated with increased stroke risk in women, but not in men.

Self-perceived stress was associated with increased stroke risk, especially in individuals reporting moderate-high self-perceived stress levels and women. Furthermore, elevated self-perceived stress was correlated with stroke mortality.

PROSPERO, CRD420251026081.

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