Mindfulness for Heart Health: Many people are constantly angry. If you fall into this category, be careful, as this could cause problems for your heart.

Can anger cause a heart attack?

Can Anger Cause a Heart Attack? If you get angry over small things and everything, then you need to be careful. A recent study has raised new concerns about the link between anger and heart health. Research found that even just eight minutes of intense anger can affect the body's blood vessels. According to scientists, after such a short period of anger, the ability of blood vessels to dilate was reduced by almost half, and this effect remained for about 40 minutes. This means that anger is not just an emotional reaction, but can also pose a physical threat to the heart. Let us tell you how it affects your body.

Research done in America.

Researchers from several institutions in the US conducted this study on 280 healthy adults. These participants were divided into four groups. Some were asked to spend eight minutes recalling an event that made them angry, sad, or anxious, while another group was asked to remain neutral and simply count. The scientists then examined the function of their blood vessels, specifically how well they could dilate.

What was the result?

The results were surprising. Those who recalled an angry incident showed a clear decrease in the ability of blood vessels to dilate. However, this effect was not observed in the group experiencing sadness or anxiety. This suggests that anger exerts pressure on the heart in a different and more potent way than other negative emotions. When we are angry, stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline increase rapidly in the body. These hormones constrict the inner lining of arteries, affecting blood flow and causing blood pressure to rise. One instance of anger doesn't cause lasting damage, but repeated episodes can prevent blood vessels from having enough time to return to normal. In the long run, this can increase the risk of plaque buildup, heart attack, or stroke.

What could be the problem?

Experts believe that anger is not something to take lightly. If a person is often irritable or gets angry over small things, they should adopt stress management techniques. Techniques like deep breathing, regular exercise, yoga, or meditation can help protect the heart. If needed, talking to a counselor or therapist can also be beneficial.