Research shows that spending eight minutes dominated by this sensation has negative effects on blood vessels; experts worry about the cumulative effect and suggest solutions
The relationship between negative emotions and increased risk of heart problems is well known to science. Now, a new study reveals that the anger it could be the worst sensation in this sense, since even brief moments of explosion would endanger the cardiovascular system, contributing to the onset of a heart attack or spill, for example.
Published Wednesday, 1, in Journal of the American Heart Associationresearch has proven it an eight-minute rage episode it can 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 state of the endothelial cells, a sort of carpet that covers the blood vessels.
Next, the participants were randomly distributed into four groups, and each had a different experience: for eight minutes, one of the groups recalled anger-evoking memories aloud; another thought about memories that generated anxiety; the third read sad sentences aloud, and the last group, who acted as controls, had to count aloud to remain emotionally neutral.
After the tasks, blood pressure, heart rate and endothelial cell status were assessed again: the measurements were taken 3, 40, 70 and 100 minutes after the end of the emotional activities.
Compared to the emotionally neutral group, the angry ones showed a decrease in the ability of blood vessels to dilate by more than half. This effect it peaked 40 minutes after the anger recall task and then the function returned to normal. Feelings of anxiety and sadness had no statistically significant repercussions.
Concerns about the cumulative effect
Cardiologist Álvaro Avezum, director of the research center of the Alemão Oswaldo Cruz Hospital in São Paulo, and scientific consultant on the topic of Spirituality and Cardiovascular Medicine at the Society of Cardiology of the State of São Paulo (Socesp), explains that, although Information that is not absolutely new, the study is important because it draws attention to the damage caused by rabies, in particular to the lining of the arteries, i.e. the endothelium.
“This work has shown that anger impairs endothelial function. Once the artery is compromised, a fatty plaque or clot can develop inside it, promoting what we call coronary atherosclerosis, or even a cardiac event, such as a 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 emphasizes the importance of thinking about the cumulative impact of anger on blood vessel function over a long period of time. “What if you got angry 10,000 times in your life? This chronic insult to the arteries can eventually lead to permanent damage. This is what we think is happening,” Daichi Shimbo, a cardiologist at Columbia University, said in a statement released by the American Heart Association.
According to Fábio Fernandes, cardiologist and director of the cardiomyopathy division of the Heart Institute (Incor) of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (USP), vessels and arteries are not fixed structures, but dynamic ones, which can undergo changes caused by the increase in stress-related substances in the body, such as cortisol and catecholamines.
Avezum also believes that the effects of rabies are cumulative and potentially more dangerous for people with comorbidities. However, the doctor warns that even seemingly healthy people 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 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 a better quality of life and emotional control. Avezum also highlights the role of spirituality and, in some cases, the use of medicines as more positive elements. “Everything can be connected. This is the science of good living,” he adds.
According to Fernandes, an essential step towards health is to become aware of the role of emotions in cardiovascular diseases. “We must take care of not only the body, but also the soul,” she summarizes.
The cardiologist underlines the importance of seeking psychological support, self-knowledge and trying to maintain a good mood: «In this work we have seen how the heart reacts to emotions by looking only at the negative aspect. Instead, good emotions, such as laughter and happiness, promote vasodilation of the endothelium,” he emphasizes.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
