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Anger and health are interlinked with each other. The health impacts of anger are much more than what we usually see, immediate frustration and anger. Chronic anger can cause long-term problems, such as hypertension, heart diseases, and a weakened immune system.
Persistent anger causes mental problems like anxiety and depression. Understanding the health effects of anger helps in anger management.
1. Cardiovascular Health
Frequent anger will affect cardiovascular health. The body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, as a response. These cause a rise in heart rate and blood pressure due to the body’s fight-or-flight response. Chronic anger keeps the body in a heightened state of arousal, which is harmful over time.
Chronic anger has been linked to an increased risk of hypertension. It forces the heart to work harder to pump blood. This causes damage to the heart and organs. Over time, higher-than-normal blood pressure can lead to the onset of heart disease. In fact, studies have shown that people with higher levels of anger are more prone to coronary heart disease. Moreover, recurring bouts of anger increase the chance of heart attack and stroke.
2. Immune System
Anger and the immune system are interlinked as anger activates the body’s stress response.
The effectiveness of the immune system is lowered when cortisol levels remain elevated. Cortisol operates by inhibiting the production of certain immune cells and reducing the inflammation response. This reduces the body’s ability to fight infections and heal wounds. Additionally, people who are quick to anger are more prone to infections.
Chronic anger will lead to an imbalance in the immune system and the loss of ability to differentiate between healthy cells and harmful pathogens. This imbalance increases risks of autoimmune diseases which can attack tissues and organs. Anger management through mindfulness, exercise, and therapy reduces levels of stress hormones and aids in developing a much healthier immune system.
3. Mental Health
Studies show that people with high levels of anger are more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. Chronic anger and depression are interconnected because the negative emotions associated with anger, over time, can be mentally tiring, leading to feelings of hopelessness and sadness. Additionally, uncontrolled anger is linked to a decline in cognitive functions. Anger can also be especially stressful in relationships.
Anger management techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and stress management techniques, can help reduce anger levels.
4. Digestive System
Anger and digestion, as well as stress and digestion, also share a relationship. Anger can affect the digestive system, causing gastric problems. Anger triggers stress hormones that upset normal gut function, causing acid reflux, ulcers or IBS.
Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid travels back up the oesophagus into organs that can cause heartburn and discomfort. The increase in stress hormones during anger may relax the lower esophageal sphincter enough to allow acid to release from the stomach. More serious conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can arise from chronic acid reflux over time.
Anger contributes to the development of ulcers. As soon as the stress response starts to flow, the blood supply to the stomach lining decreases while stomach acid production increases. Additionally, anger and stress increase the pain associated with existing ulcers.
Activation of the stress response has been shown to alter gut motility and increase sensitivity to pain, provoking symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Severe anger can then worsen the symptoms, making them harder to manage.
5. Respiratory System
Anger causes fast, shallow breathing. This is the body’s stress response, where anger triggers the release of stress hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol into the bloodstream. These hormones target the body’s organs, preparing them for the fight-or-flight response, and increases the breathing rate.
Rapid and shallow breathing is an inefficient way to exchange oxygen in the lungs. This can result in lowered blood oxygen levels, contributing to dizziness and further increasing anxiety and panic, therefore creating a cycle of emotional and physical distress. In addition, such breathing stresses respiratory muscles, leading to fatigue and discomfort.
Chronic anger worsens respiratory conditions like asthma. Stress response constricts the airway and makes breathing more difficult.
6. Relationship Impact
Anger affects relationships. Frequent anger will have a negative impact on relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Uncontrolled anger will create hostile interactions, hurtful comments, and misunderstandings. This can lead to isolation and heighten levels of anxiety and depression.
7. Sleep Disruptions
Stress hormones increase the rate of arousal and alertness, making your body stay awake rather than relax. In this way,anger and stress contribute to insomnia. Sleep is needed to restore body and mind. Poor sleep quality due to anger-related insomnia can lead to many other health problems as well.
Relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises can help you sleep better. Breaking the anger-sleep cycle will lead to better health outcomes and improved emotional resilience.
Conclusion
Although anger is a natural emotion, it can result in wide-ranging repercussions on the body and the mind. Chronic anger may increase blood pressure, cause heart complications, suppress the immune system, disrupt digestion, and increase respiratory complications. Anger will negatively affect relationships and sleeping. It also contributes to mental problems like anxiety and depression. It’s important to manage anger effectively.
