Kim Kardashian's heart-wrenching story: the stress that led to her brain aneurysm diagnosis

Kim Kardashian has always lived in the spotlight, but even her glamorous lifestyle can't protect her from the effects of stress.

In the latest season of "The Kardashians" on Disney+, the 45-year-old beauty mogul shared an emotional moment when doctors found a brain aneurysm, which they said was caused by stress.

Coupled with the sudden return of her psoriasis, a condition she’s battled for years, Kim’s story sheds light on the physical and emotional impact of stress, something so many of us can relate to.

“I was pretty tested, I will say,” Kardashian admitted in the season premiere, her voice cracking with emotion. “I haven’t had psoriasis since my divorce, and now it’s back. It’s like my body is telling me just how much stress I’ve been under.”

But what exactly are these conditions, psoriasis and brain aneurysms, and how does stress play such a pivotal role?

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a long-term autoimmune condition that makes the skin create new cells too quickly. This leads to red, scaly patches that can itch, crack, or bleed. The reality TV star has often talked openly about her struggles with flare-ups and how she manages her symptoms.

The link between stress and psoriasis is well-documented. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, stress can trigger flare-ups or worsen existing symptoms.

In Kardashian’s case, the pressure of co-parenting with ex-husband Kanye West and navigating public scrutiny seems to have reignited the condition.

Her vulnerability in discussing her red, inflamed patches is relatable for anyone living with a visible skin condition.

“Anytime I feel super stressed, it just comes back,” she confessed. “It’s like my body’s way of screaming at me to slow down.”

What is a brain aneurysm, and how does stress play a role?

In the same breath, Kardashian revealed an even scarier diagnosis: during a routine scan, doctors discovered a brain aneurysm, a condition that can be life-threatening if it ruptures.

A brain aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bulges or balloons, often due to weakened walls. While many aneurysms go unnoticed and don’t cause symptoms, others can lead to severe headaches, blurred vision, or worse, a rupture that results in a stroke.

Her doctors attributed her aneurysm to stress, a factor that can increase blood pressure and exacerbate the risk of vascular issues.

Though rare, the connection between prolonged stress and vascular health is supported by research.

A 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that chronic stress can significantly raise the risk of cardiovascular events, including strokes and aneurysms.

The news visibly shook Kardashian, who tearfully asked, “Why is this happening to me?”

Stress is often called the “silent killer” for a reason. While it’s a natural response to challenging situations, chronic stress can wreak havoc on our physical and mental well-being.

As Kardashian’s story highlights, stress doesn’t just live in the mind; it manifests in the body.

She attributed much of her stress to her high-profile divorce from West, particularly the strain of protecting her four children, North, 12, Saint, 9, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 6, from the fallout.

“I’ve always felt like I had to protect everyone, but now I have to protect my kids,” she said. “It’s so much pressure.”

So, how can we better manage stress and protect our health?

Prioritise self-care: Whether it’s through mindfulness, therapy, or simply carving out time to rest, self-care is essential for managing stress. Kim’s ability to open up about her struggles is a reminder that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness.

Know your triggers: For those with conditions like psoriasis, understanding what causes flare-ups, whether it’s stress, diet, or environmental factors, can help manage symptoms.

Monitor your health: Routine check-ups are not just for vibes. A lot of health issues, once detected early, can be the difference between life and death. If you’re under prolonged stress, talk to your doctor about its potential impact on your health.

Kardashian's raw honesty about her health struggles is a powerful reminder that no one is immune to the effects of stress, not even a billionaire beauty mogul.

“I can’t stress too much about what I can’t control. I just have to focus on what matters.”