Emotions can have a powerful influence on our health, and anger may be one of the most destructive emotions we have. The results of a meta-analysis of 44 studies that was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that individuals who were initially healthy but who experienced anger on a regular basis had a greater risk of heart disease. They also found that angry subjects who already had heart disease had worse outcomes.
Moderate amounts of anger from time to time do not adversely affect health, and experts agree that bottling up anger is just as destructive to our health as ranting and raging. Intense anger experienced on a frequent basis, however, is another matter.
Dr. Laura Kubzansky, MPH, who is an associate professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, has studied the effects of emotions and stress on cardiovascular disease. She said, “Being able to tell people that you’re angry can be extremely functional.” But those who rage at others and who throw things or hit walls may have an increased risk of heart disease, as may people who suppress their rage. Kubzansky says, “Either end of the continuum is problematic.”
Scientists believe that it is the release of stress hormones in response to anger that damages the cardiovascular system. Intense anger floods the body with adrenaline and cortisol, which can cause wear and tear on the cardiovascular system when it becomes a chronic condition. Anger can also increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Anger causes the heart to pump harder, raises blood pressure, constricts blood vessels and releases higher levels of glucose into the blood, which can cause damage to the walls of your arteries in the form of fatty plaque buildup.
The continual flow of stress hormones can lead to other health problems as well, such as increased anxiety, depression, insomnia, digestive problems, headaches, skin problems and stroke. Learning how to manage your anger appropriately can lead to positive improvements in your health.
Both explosions of anger and repressing anger are damaging to yourself and others. However, there are constructive ways of dealing with rage that can provide you with a safe and healthy outlet for your feelings:
* Accept that you feel angry – Many people keep their anger under wraps because they believe it is “bad” to feel that way, or perhaps they have experienced anger from a parent or spouse and have vowed they will never be like that. Feeling anger is perfectly normal, and expressing it in a healthy way is not destructive to you or to others.
* Take time out – If you feel that you are losing control of your anger, remove yourself from the situation for a while until you calm down. Take slow, deep breaths and go for a walk, if possible.
* Get regular exercise – Exercising or practicing a sport is a great way to release steam and keep your emotions at a more even level.
* Learn to relax – Consider taking a class in yoga and/or meditation to help you achieve a greater state of overall calm. Acupuncture and massage are also great ways to become instantly relaxed.
* Talk to someone – Discussing your feelings of anger with a counselor or therapist is a good way of addressing underlying issues that may be contributing to your feelings of anger.
If you are a first time patient to Chicago Chiropractic but feel a health assessment is needed, take advantage of our new patient offer.
