Brief outbursts of anger already increase heart risk, study warns; understand the reasons

The relationship between negative emotions and the increased risk of heart problems is well known in science. Now, a new study reveals that the anger may be the worst feeling in this regard, even brief moments of explosion would put the cardiovascular system in danger, contributing to the occurrence of a heart attack or spill, for example.

Published on Wednesday, 1, in Journal of the American Heart Associationresearch showed that an eight-minute rage episode may temporarily impair the ability of blood vessels to dilate. The result would be a stiffening of these structures, which is directly related to cardiac events.

To reach this conclusion, scientists gathered 280 healthy young adults with no history of heart disease or other risk factors. Initially, everyone relaxed for 30 minutes and then underwent an assessment of blood pressure, heart rate and the condition of the endothelium cells, a type of carpet that covers the blood vessels.

Afterwards, participants were randomly distributed into four groups, and each one went through a different experience: for eight minutes, one of the groups recalled anger-evoking memories aloud; another thought of memories that generated anxiety; the third read sad sentences out loud, and the last group, which acted as a control, had to count out loud to remain emotionally neutral.

After the tasks, blood pressure, heart rate and the condition of endothelial cells were assessed again – measurements took place 3, 40, 70 and 100 minutes after the end of emotional activities.

Compared to the emotionally neutral group, the angry ones showed a decrease in the dilation capacity of their blood vessels by more than half. This effect peaked 40 minutes after the anger recall task and then the function returned to normal. Feelings of anxiety and sadness did not have statistically significant repercussions.

Cumulative effect worries

Cardiologist Álvaro Avezum, director of the research center at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, in São Paulo, and scientific advisor on the theme of Spirituality and Cardiovascular Medicine at the Society of Cardiology of the State of São Paulo (Socesp), explains that, although the information is not Absolutely unprecedented, the study is important because it draws attention to the damage caused by rabies specifically to the lining of the arteries, that is, to the endothelium.

“This work showed that anger compromises endothelial function. Once the artery is compromised, a fatty plaque or clot can develop within it, promoting what we call coronary atherosclerosis, or even a cardiac event, such as heart attack”, describes the doctor, who did not participate in the research.

Although the effect shown in the research was temporary, the study’s lead author points out the importance of reflecting on the cumulative impact of anger on blood vessel function over a long period of time. “What if you get angry 10,000 times in your life? This chronic insult to your arteries can eventually lead to permanent damage. That’s what we think is happening,” said Daichi Shimbo, a cardiologist at Columbia University, in a statement released by the American Heart Association.

According to Fábio Fernandes, cardiologist and director of the division of cardiomyopathies at the Heart Institute (Incor) of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (USP), vessels and arteries are not fixed structures, but rather dynamic ones, which can undergo changes caused by by the increase in substances linked to stress in the body, such as cortisol and catecholamines.

Avezum also thinks that the effects of rabies are cumulative and potentially more dangerous for people who have comorbidities. However, the doctor warns that even apparently healthy individuals are not fully protected – and even occasional situations of excessive anger are threatening. “There are people who, even without other risk factors, can have a heart attack or a stroke in a moment of extreme anger, due to a coronary occlusion.”

How to mitigate the negative impacts of anger?

Physical activity, meditation and yoga are allies in the search for better quality of life and control of emotions. Avezum also highlights the role of spirituality and, in some cases, the use of medicines as more positive elements. “It can all be associated. This is the science of good living”, he adds.

In Fernandes’ view, an essential step towards health is becoming aware of the role of emotions in cardiovascular conditions. “We must treat not only the body, but also the soul”, he summarizes.

The cardiologist points out the importance of seeking psychological support, self-knowledge and trying to maintain a good mood: “This work saw how the heart reacts to emotions looking only at the negative aspect. On the other hand, good emotions, such as laughter and happiness, promote vasodilation of the endothelium”, he reinforces.