Anxiety can negatively affect many aspects of health, and a new study from the journal “Stroke” found that men and women who experience anxiety could have a higher risk of suffering a stroke.

“Assessment and treatment of anxiety has the potential to not only improve overall quality of life, but may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, later in life,” study co-author Dr. Maya Lambiase, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, told Reuters.

Lambiase and her fellow researchers looked at data from 6,019 men and women enrolled in the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1971 to 1975 who were followed for 16 years. At the start, the participants were asked if they had any anxiety symptoms, and if so, how severe they were. Investigators also looked at hospital and nursing home discharge reports and death certificates to see how many had suffered strokes. They learned that 419 individuals had strokes, and that the risk was 14 percent higher in those who reported anxious symptoms and feelings of worry, stress and nervousness.

Men and women who suffer from anxiety can benefit from senior care services that provide therapy and relaxation techniques. In-home care agencies can also provide assistance to those who have experienced a stroke by taking care of daily tasks, preparing meals and giving medications at the right times.