[Stress as a risk factor in the development of brain stroke].

INTRODUCTION In many developing countries and in countries in transition, an increased incidence of cerebrovascular disease has been observed. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of acute and chronic stress on the development of acute brain stroke and its relapse. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included all recorded cases of cerebrovascular disease in the municipality of Doljevac in the period 2005-2007 (the stroke victims), and 230 healthy controls. By using the method of interview, the frequency of chronic stress situations was examined, as well as the occurrence of acute stress situations 24 hours prior to the acute brain stroke and its relapse. RESULTS In the group which consisted of stroke victims, a large number of subjects was found to have had an acute stress 24 hours prior to the onset of the disease, and the type of stress which proved to be statistically significant was the one which had been provoked by problems between family members (Chi2 = 4,03: p = 0,04). All of the chronic stressors were more frequent in the group consisting of stroke victims than in the control group and among the statistically significant stressors were stressful situations in the family and at work. In recidivists, a greater presence of acute and chronic stressors was observed, but the statistical significance was not proved when this disease occurred again. CONCLUSION The presence of acute stressors was found to have been more frequent in the group of stroke victims 24 hours prior to the onset of the disease. The effect of acute and chronic stressors upon the brain stroke recidivism has not been statistically proved yet.