How anger hurts your heart

Anger is a normal and often justified emotion in certain situations, but too much of it can damage your heart. Frequent anger and maladaptive anger management can be a big threat to your cardiovascular health. The more intense or prolonged your anger, the worse the adverse effects on the heart.

“Studies show there may be a link between patients with increased anger and a higher risk of developing premature coronary heart disease and suffering coronary events,” says Druenell Linton, M.D., a cardiologist at Piedmont. “The link is likely both direct, via damage of the vessel wall, and indirect, as these patients often have more risk factors like smoking, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.”

Your body on anger

The moment you become angry, your body activates a powerful adrenaline response known as "fight-or-flight." Humans evolved this response long ago as a survival mechanism (to, for example, fend off a lion attack). The fight-or-flight response increases the body's heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure and causes the muscles to contract.

This causes hyperawareness, increased strength and an instant switch to instinctual survival, combat or escape modes.

Why is anger harmful to the heart?

A person with a chronically angry personality activates this kind of response repeatedly. Frequent spikes in blood pressure and heart rate directly compromise heart health.

“People may experience stress-induced chest pain, elevated heart rate and higher blood pressure,” Dr. Linton says.

Many studies show anger increases the risk of heart attack or stroke, even in young, healthy people.

Anger management to protect your heart

People with intense, prolonged anger or physical reactions to anger should first see a preventive cardiologist for evaluation. They will check for imminent danger.

“An anger management program, counseling and avoidance of stressors can help,” Dr. Linton says. “Anger management techniques typically include components of muscular relaxation, a quiet environment, passive attitude and deep breathing.”

Practicing meditation and other relaxation techniques can help you better handle anger long term. Try high-intensity exercise to combat anger's negative effects in the moment. A short power walk, burpees and jumping jacks can help diffuse energy and lessen anger's effects on your heart.

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