Just maybe, when a person has a stroke, the first diagnoses by the ER docs, in most cases is high cholesterol, followed by high BP. Then stress becomes a factor. All 3 was my diagnoses, and I never, that I know of, had high BP or was under any stress. I had taken meds for cholesterol and was determined to be ok.

So now, I tell those who ask me what happen, that it was a stroke caused by high cholesterol and BP. I still feel stress is not a factor for me. I don't get upset or excited about a damm thing, especially money, bills, relationships or what I can or can not do by myself or for myself.

Now you know to keep it in check along with your BP.

Scooterman,

My blood clot was caused from a conginetal cleft mitral valve. I personally feel that stress was a part of it too. I wasn't taking care of myself and slipped back to some old vices. Thanks for the reminder about BP. I get mine checked weekly with my Coumadin level. It has been fine. I was so stressed out when I had my stroke, (I was stressed about being in Graduate school and working full-time), and a bad grade I got on a test. I was actually releived in ICU when my family told me I couldn't do Graduate school anymore.

*I was toying with the idea of quitting Grad school, but didn't want to look like a quitter, and I had taken out lots of $$ loans to pay 4 it. Stroke was an easy out, and good way to get reinbursed for the loan, since my stroke was only month 2 of Graduate school.

Sorry didn't mean to write a book:)

-Amy