Anger and Heart Attacks

Here’s another reason to keep stay calm and control your temper. According to research published in the European Heart Journal, angry outbursts may raise your odds for a heart attack or stroke in the hours after the incident.

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health examined  nine studies conducted  around the world over an 18 year period.

Their findings  link extreme emotion with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, especially among people who already have cardiovascular problems.

According to the study, after an outburst people have

• Have a five-fold increased risk of a heart attack.
• A nearly-fold higher risk of a stroke.
• And an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia.

Researchers say that in people at  low risk, who are frequently angry, there would be an extra 158 heart attacks per 10,000 people.

But among high-risk groups, that this could translate to an extra 657 heart attacks per 10,000.

The authors say it could be because anger can increase heart rate and blood pressure.  They suggest doctors ask high-risk patients about their levels of anger and if necessary, refer them  for counselling or prescribe medication.