Physical activity and exercise lower stress

Anger and heart disease go hand in hand, states a recent issue of the Annals of Family Medicine. Moderate anger is acceptable and can be good for health as it acts as an outlet. But people who explode, scream, shout and throw things around are at a high risk for heart problems. Along with anger, negative emotions as anxiety and depression are also linked with heart ailments.

Anger produces direct biological responses on the heart. The electrical system of the heart is disrupted and rhythm disturbances can occur. On the contrary, negative emotions have a slow response and activate the stress axis. This leads to chronic production of stress hormones which in turn are a major cause of atherosclerosis or plaque deposition on the arterial wall. They also cause extra production of C-reactive protein which in turn also causes atherosclerosis.

Studies have shown that angry people neglect themselves. They are more likely to smoke, have a deficient food intake and exercise less. They may be on a poor diet but take excess alcohol.

These people need help. They should be counseled regularly to walk away from the situation or count 10 before responding. Self suggestion that the other person has many good qualities, nothing can be accomplished alone, by the next day the problem gets lighter, listen rather than talk and don’t be hasty, are all coping terms and methods.

Physical activity and exercise lowers stress and anxiety and cuts down on heart disease. It is a powerful tool against anger besides lowering blood pressure, body weight, cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.