If you are an adult whose parents divorced when you were a child, you may be at a higher risk of the killer stroke, scientists have warned. According to a study, seeing your parents separate can make you up to 61 per cent more likely to suffer this life-threatening condition from the age of 65.

Conducted in association with the University of Toronto, Tyndale University, and the University of Texas at Arlington, the study said one in nine over 65 years with divorced parents was diagnosed with a stroke. By comparison, in adults whose parents stayed together, only one in 15 suffered serious brain complications.

Also known as a brain attack, a stroke occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. Doctors say a stroke can lead to lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.

It can happen to anyone at any age, but having conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation can all up your risk—apart from smoking and an unhealthy diet.

Scientists say splitting of parents can lead to high levels of stress, which is another risk factor for stroke. “Our study indicates that even after taking into account most of the known risk factors associated with stroke—including smoking, physical inactivity, lower income and education, diabetes, depression, and low social support—those whose parents had divorced still had 61 per cent higher odds of having a stroke," said lead study author and a psychology lecturer at Tyndale University, Dr. Mary Kate Schilke.

The study team also claimed that parental divorce raises someone's risk of the condition almost as much as diabetes and depression.

The study, published in the journal PLOS One, analysed survey responses from more than 13,000 older Americans, of whom 14 per cent had experienced parental divorce during their childhood.

Researchers, however, excluded those who had a history of childhood abuse.

“We found that even when people hadn’t experienced childhood physical and sexual abuse and had at least one adult who made them feel safe in their childhood home, they still were more likely to have a stroke if their parents had divorced," said Prof. Philip Baiden, co-author of the study from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Other difficulties experienced in childhood did not have any particularly strong link to stroke in later life either. Scientists said it includes emotional abuse, neglect, mental illness, substance abuse in the household, and suffering domestic violence from parents.

The study’s authors said even though it was not clear why the link between parental divorce and stroke exists, both biological and social factors are said to be the main reasons behind this. “From a biological embedding perspective, having your parents split up during childhood could lead to sustained high levels of stress hormones,” said Prof. Baiden.

For future purposes, experts have predicted that family history may be used to improve outreach for stroke prevention and education.

A few expert-recommended steps to reduce your risk of a stroke include:

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