Regular and extreme anger, a new research has shown can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, prompting experts to emphasise the importance of anger management strategies for better cardiovascular health.
According to the study, anger is detrimental to the heart and brain since it raises the risk of heart disease and stroke in those who experience it frequently.
The researchers said getting briefly angry but not having other emotions such as sadness or anxiety can change the functioning of blood vessels, which might make heart attacks and strokes more likely.
The study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed that there is a relationship between an acute episode of anger and an increased risk of heart attack.
The researchers suggested that even short bouts of anger could worsen cardiovascular health and may trigger heart diseases, heart attacks, and strokes.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, Yale School of Medicine, and St. John’s University in New York, United States, indicated that heart attacks and strokes typically occur when the blood flow to the heart or brain is blocked.
During the study, no fewer than 280 healthy adults were invited and randomised into four groups that recalled events that made them angry, sad, or anxious.
A control group also repeatedly counted out loud from 1 to 100 for 8 minutes and maintained a neutral emotional state.
The study’s lead author, Professor Daichi Shimbo explained, “We saw that evoking an angered state led to blood vessel dysfunction, though we don’t yet understand what may cause these changes.
“This suggests that intense emotions could contribute to cardiac events in people who already have poor health. Repeated episodes of negative emotion may affect cardiovascular physiology over time, causing irreversible damage.
“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.
“When angry, the body is flooded with stress hormones. These hormones result in detectable physiological changes like a rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure. How well the blood vessels respond to these changes can have a strong effect on the risk of stroke and heart disease.”
Reacting, an Honourary Consultant Cardiologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr Oladimeji Adebayo, stressed the need for further research to explore the mechanisms behind anger’s detrimental effects on blood vessels.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the physician noted that there is a need for future studies to delve deeper into these mechanisms and explore whether cultivating positive emotions could counteract the adverse effects of anger on cardiovascular health.
While the precise mechanisms linking anger to cardiovascular issues remain unclear, Adebayo highlighted the urgent need to prioritise anger management as a preventive measure against heart disease and stroke.
He further said, “Please note effective anger management strategies include exercise, yoga, deep breathing, and cognitive behavioural therapy.
“While one may not say we should say we should start applying that to reduce cardiovascular diseases, we should realise the benefit of anger management transcends health benefits into social and cultural benefits.
“But overall, this research highlights the importance of managing anger to prevent potential cardiovascular risks.”
Credit: Punch
Leave a Reply