Feeling intense and frequent anger (especially when it outsizes the trigger) can have consequences on your physical and mental well-being. Excessive anger can cause many problems which can be linked to heart, digestion and mental health.
When the anger one experiences is too frequent, too intense, lasts for too long, or is out of proportion to the triggering event, it can be hazardous to ones well-being and health, according to Raymond Chip Tafrate, PhD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.
“Anger is part of the fight, freeze, or flight response in which the adrenal glands flood the body with stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol,” explains Dr Tafrate.
Chronic activation of stress hormones leads to serious physical and mental illnesses. Here are a few health hazards of anger:
- Anger Stresses Out the Heart
Chronic anger can have devastating effects on one’s heart. When we are angry, our body releases stress hormones, which affects our heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. This can result in high blood pressure, which may increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and metabolic syndrome.
Research has revealed that individuals with higher levels of anger, who tend to perceive situations as hostile and struggle to control their aggressive thoughts and feelings, are more likely to develop coronary heart disease. Furthermore, studies have shown that increased anger is linked to a higher risk of death from coronary heart disease and related complications.
Anger also poses a significant threat to individuals with arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. According to Dr. Rachel Lampert, director of the Sports Cardiology Program at Yale Medicine, anger and stress can trigger ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation, abnormal heart rhythms that can be life-threatening. This is due to the electrical changes in the heart caused by the surge of adrenaline released during the episodes of anger.
- Anger Increases Risk of Heart Attacks
Research has established a significant link between anger and an increased risk of heart attack. A comprehensive systematic review, encompassing nearly 4,000 participants from over 50 medical centers in the US, revealed a startling correlation. Within a two-hour window following an anger outburst, the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack is more than doubled.
Notably, the study found that the intensity of anger directly impacted the risk, with more intense anger episodes posing a greater threat to heart health. This suggests that the more severe the anger, the higher the risk of a heart attack, underscoring the importance of managing anger to protect cardiovascular well-being.
- Anger Can Disrupt Digestion
The brain and gut are intricately connected, constantly influencing each other through the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily processes, including digestion. However, when the body enters fight-or-flight mode in response to stress, this delicate balance can be disrupted.
Research has found that stress can lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, stomach upset, and diarrhoea. Moreover, chronic stress has been linked to an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) over time. This highlights the importance of managing stress to maintain a healthy gut and overall well-being.
- Too Much of Anger Hinders Mental Health
Chronic anger can have a profound impact on mental health, exacerbating emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression. Research indicates that elevated anger levels are associated with worsened symptoms and reduced treatment efficacy. Prolonged anger can also impair cognitive function, leading to decreased concentration and distorted thinking patterns. Furthermore, anger can foster hostility and cynicism, straining relationships and hindering social bonding.
As social creatures, humans rely on strong connections for their well-being, making the effects of anger particularly damaging. According to Tafrate, unmanaged anger can lead to harmful verbal outbursts or even violent behaviour, and it underscores the importance of addressing the issues related to anger. Online therapy platforms like Betterhelp, Talkspace, and Brightside offer valuable resources for managing anger and promoting overall mental wellness.
- Anger Can Mess With Your Sleep
Research has revealed a significant link between uncontrolled anger and sleeplessness. A study conducted on middle-aged Korean men and women found that moderate to high levels of anger increased the risk of sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling and staying asleep, by 40-70%. This is because anger can lead to heightened psychological arousal and mental unrest, that challenges falling asleep. The consequences of chronic anger extend beyond fleeting emotions, posing serious risks to overall health. Unmanaged anger can increase the risk of heart disease, disrupt digestive processes, negatively impact mental health, and impair the quality of sleep. By finding healthy outlets for managing anger, individuals can significantly enhance their overall well-being and mitigate these risks.