By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler starred in the 2003 movie titled Anger Management. The movie was a comedy about an interaction between a normally mild-mannered gentleman and his anger management therapist. Television and the movies will often portray someone having a heart attack with an angry outburst.

How much do we know about the impact of anger on our health?

The Journal of Psychosomatic Research evaluated the impact of trait anger on sleep quality. The study found those with trait anger did not feel rested and experienced excessive daytime sleepiness. 

What is trait anger and how does it differ from anger in general?

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Trait anger is frequent episodes of anger varying from irritability to intense rage. Trait anger evokes negative emotions. Some other scientists refer to this type of anger as chronic anger. Buddhism refers to anger as one of the Three Poisons of the Mind. 

Several studies have shown anger and emotional stress increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Blood sugars were increased with angry outbursts. Some researchers evaluating anger and diabetes believe the risk is due to anger causing inflammation in the body. This inflammation can result in cell and tissue damage. 

Previous studies have shown a link to anger having a negative impact on the heart. However, these studies were observational in design and not well controlled clinical trials. Other research has linked strong emotions such as anger to causing abnormal rhythms in the heart, which can lead to heart attacks or chest pain. Generally, researchers have noted brief spurts of occasional anger are not considered an increased risk for heart problems. 

Due to the limited evidence on anger and heart health, the National Institutes of Health funded a clinical trial to provide answers on the subject. The results were released April 2024 and published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. 

This study was conducted in a well-controlled environment measuring blood flow changes in the blood vessels of the person’s dominant arm. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of 4 tasks or groups within the study design. One group evoked anger while a second group stimulated anxiety. The third group elicited sadness and the fourth group was a control with no emotions stimulated. 

The control group counted numbers for 8 minutes while the other groups were given exercises to cause anger, anxiety or sadness. The researchers then measured blood flow immediately at the end of the task as well as 3, 40, 70, and 100 minutes later. 

In the anger group, the blood vessels constricted and narrowed reducing blood flow to vital organs for up to 40 minutes after the triggering event. The blood vessels within the anxiety, sadness and control groups were not affected by the 8-minute exercise. 

Why is this evidence important? 

Previous studies have demonstrated the reduced blood flow and narrowing of the blood vessels allows the body to build up fatty deposits in the vessel wall. These fatty deposits over time (often referred to as plaque) can result in chest pain, heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. The researchers did not rule out the impact of anger on inflammation in the body as seen in other studies. This study did not measure inflammatory markers in the body. 

The researcher believed this study points to the ability of chronic anger to increase one’s risk of heart disease and fatty deposits in the blood vessels. The authors suggest anger management techniques such as deep breathing, exercise, yoga, and mind relaxation. 

Controlling anger could save your heart!

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