Anger and High Blood Pressure: How Emotions Affect Your Vascular Health

Anger and rage directly affect the endothelium

A study by the American Heart Association investigated how anger and other negative emotions influence the health of our blood vessels. In particular, it was shown that anger and rage can significantly impair the function of the endothelium, the inner cell layer of our blood vessels. This has direct effects on blood pressure.

Overview of the Study

The study divided 280 healthy adults into four groups: anger, fear, sadness, and a neutral control group. Each group underwent an eight-minute emotion recall to provoke the respective emotion. Subsequently, various markers of endothelial health were measured.

The results showed that anger significantly reduced the ability of blood vessels to dilate. This impaired dilation ability, known as endothelial-dependent vasodilation, leads to an increase in blood pressure. In contrast, fear and sadness had no significant effects on endothelial health.

What is the endothelium and why is it important?

The endothelium is a thin layer of cells that lines the inside of our blood vessels. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by controlling the production of nitric oxide (NO). NO is a molecule that relaxes and dilates blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. In cases of endothelial dysfunction, which can be caused by anger, less NO is produced, leading to constriction of blood vessels and an increase in blood pressure.

Why These Findings Are Important

For people with high blood pressure, these results are particularly relevant. Anger and rage can have acute effects on vascular health and increase blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to develop stress management strategies and control negative emotions to protect the long-term health of blood vessels and regulate blood pressure.

Conclusion

The study clearly shows that not only physical but also emotional factors such as anger can have a significant impact on our vascular health and blood pressure. Mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and other stress management methods can help reduce the negative effects of anger on the cardiovascular system. Talk to your doctor about appropriate measures to align your emotional and physical health.

Source:

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/JAHA.123.032698

By Horst Klier. This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (07/2024).
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