Study Reveals Anger Can Heighten Risk of Heart Attacks

Anger is a common emotion experienced by people in various situations, but its effect on health is often underestimated. While it is normal to feel angry from time to time, chronic anger can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental well-being. A recent study showed that getting angry can temporarily affect the ability of blood vessels to relax, which is important for maintaining proper blood flow. The study involved 280 adults from New York City and asked the participants to take part in 1 of 4 emotional tasks for 8 minutes. These tasks were – remembering an anger-inducing memory, recalling an incident that made them anxious, reading depressing sentences, or just a neutral activity like counting to 100.

Researchers showed that the cells lining the blood vessels of each participant before and after they performed tasks. They found that thinking about an infuriating event impaired blood vessel dilation for up to 40 minutes. Dilation increases blood flow and is important for maintaining cardiovascular health. The study revealed that there were no big changes to the participants’ blood vessel linings after the anxiety and sadness tasks.

Lead study author Dr. Daichi Shimbo, a professor of medicine at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center in Washington Heights, commented on the findings, stating, “We saw that evoking an angered state led to blood vessel dysfunction, though we don’t yet understand what may cause these changes.” He also noted, “Investigation into the underlying links between anger and blood vessel dysfunction may help identify effective intervention targets for people at increased risk of cardiovascular events.”

Dr. Holly Middlekauff, a cardiologist and professor at UCLA, suggested that people with heart disease and anger issues should manage their anger through activities like yoga or therapy, as per NBC. She explained that anger can raise blood pressure and harm vascular health, even though this link is not widely known yet.

Research indicates that mental well-being can significantly influence a person’s health and their risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Heart attacks and strokes occur when blood flow to the heart or brain is obstructed, respectively, and they are prevalent health concerns. In the United States, heart attacks are alarmingly frequent, with someone experiencing one every 40 seconds. Cardiovascular disease claims an American life approximately every 33 seconds, according to the CDC.

According to the 2022 report from the National Crime Records Bureau, over 32,000 people in India died from heart attacks that year. This number is significantly up from 28,413 deaths in 2021.

The study’s findings shed light on the importance of managing anger for overall health and well-being. It is crucial for individuals to find healthy ways to cope with anger and stress to prevent potential damage to their cardiovascular system. Engaging in activities like yoga, therapy, or mindfulness practices can help individuals regulate their emotions and protect their heart health.

In conclusion, the study highlights the intricate connection between emotions like anger and physical health, particularly cardiovascular health. By understanding the impact of anger on blood vessel function, researchers and healthcare professionals can develop targeted interventions to help individuals at risk of cardiovascular events. Managing anger effectively is not only beneficial for mental well-being but also crucial for maintaining a healthy heart.