Aug 9 : A seven year study of more than 20,000 people in Britain suggests that coping with stress could cut the risk of a stroke.

Stress is a feeling that’s created when we react to particular events. It is the body’s way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness.

Stress and health are closely linked. It is well known that stress, either quick or constant, can induce body and mind disorders.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge showed that coping well with stress could cut the risk of a stroke by almost a quarter.

The study, published in the journal Stroke, recorded 452 strokes and more than 100,000 stressful life events among the participants.

Those who were able to take a well-rounded approach to problems had a 24 percent lower risk of stroke, reported the online edition of BBC News.

Lead researcher Paul Surtees said: “Our findings suggest that people who are able to adapt more rapidly to stressful circumstances in their lives had a lower risk of stroke.

“Whilst many questions remain to be answered by further research, this evidence raises the possibility that improving our ability to respond to stress may have benefits for vascular health.” (IANS)