Till date we have only heard of physical issues causing heart attacks, but recent researches shows intense emotions of anger and anxiety increases the chances of heart attacks as well. According to a new study, the intense emotion of anger increases the risk of heart attack 8.5x in the two hours after the outburst. The consequences of anxiety are even worse, as they increases the risk of heart attacks by 9.5 times.
"Our findings confirm what has been suggested in prior studies and anecdotal evidence, even in films - that episodes of intense anger can act as a trigger for a heart attack," lead author of the study Dr. Thomas Buckley, said in a statement. "The data shows that the higher risk of a heart attack isn't necessarily just while you're angry - it lasts for two hours after the outburst."
This study consisted survey of patients suffering from successive heart attacks. The patients suffering from acute coronary blockage were questioned about their recent activities 48 hours prior to the heart attack. These activities were collected and compared.
In the study anger was classified at different stages ranging on a scale of 1 to 7. Intense anger like "very angry, body tense, clenching fists or teeth, ready to burst" were marked 5 and above on the scale. Whilst the situation like "enraged, out of control, throwing objects" were marked 7 on the scale.
Dr Buckley further added "The triggers for these burst of intense anger were associated with arguments with family members (29 per cent), argument with others (42 per cent), work anger (14 per cent) and driving anger (14 per cent). The data also revealed that episodes of anxiety can also make you more likely to have heart attack. High levels of anxiety were associated with a 9.5 fold increased risk of triggering a heart attack in the two hours after the anxiety episode. Increased risk following intense anger or anxiety is most likely due to increased heart rate, blood pressure, tightening of blood vessels and increased clotting, all associated with triggering heart attacks."
The researchers noted that chances of heart attack after an angry outburst are only two percent. But the chances of heart attack increase 8.5 times within the two hours of the incident. It is not necessary any one emotional episode may trigger a heart attack, but the danger is still present.
Another lead author of the study and senior author Professor Geoffrey Tofler, University of Sydney said "Potential preventive approaches may be stress reduction training to reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes of anger, or avoiding activities that usually prompt such intense reactions, for instance, avoiding an angry confrontation or activity that provokes intense anxiety. Additionally, improving general health by minimizing other risk factors, such as hypertension, high cholesterol or smoking would also lower risk. For those at high risk, it is possible that medication such as beta-blockers and aspirin taken at the time of a trigger may interrupt the link between the stressor and the heart attack. We are currently recruiting subjects for a study examining this option."
