Anger Damages the Heart: Tips for Type A Personalities
Do you scream in your car at drivers who drive slower in the fast lane? Do you throw your purse or other nearby objects when you are angry? This is not you, we know, but you probably know or heard of people who express this behavior.
They have an increased risk for heart attacks and heart disease. Unfortunately, more and more of us can fit into the “Type A Personality” category. Whether you place the blame on the economy, divorce, relationship problems or the fast paced society, the future outcome can almost be predicted: heart disease.
Numerous studies found that negative emotions, such as anger, increase harmful hormones in our bodies. Prolonged exposure of these substances damages our blood vessels and organs, increases blood pressure, and are possibly linked in interrupting electrical pathways of the heart. So, your emotions may contribute to heart disease, according to an article published by Harvard Heart Letter.
In addition, those who exhibit negative emotions may not take care of themselves in other ways and increase other risk factors as well. For example, lack of exercise decreases blood circulation, and poor food choices increase the risk for atherosclerosis.
Common risk factors for heart disease:
1. Negative emotions (anger, depression, loneliness, chronic stress, anxiety)
2. Heredity.
3. Sedentary life style
3. Obesity/Overweight
4. High cholesterol
5. Smoking
6. Gender
7. High blood pressure
8. Diabetes
How many of these risk factors are you able to control/change?
What can we do about controlling our emotions? Here are a few tips:
1. Talk with your doctor about your emotions
2. Increase vacation time
3. Start a hobby
4. Practice relaxation techniques
5. Seek stress management help (through the internet, work, doctor, social networks such as church)
6. Listen to music
7. Get a pet
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment2 Comments
Being from Los Angeles, I notice how often people became angery over the minor annoyances of modern day life. I am glad someone is recognizing the consequences of stressing ourselves out.
June 30, 2009 - 9:38pmThis Comment
These are all very true and common problems that all of us have in today's time. This is one of the best articles I have read.Thank you for the tips. I look forward to reading more of your articles!
July 3, 2009 - 12:24pm