How Anger Impacts Heart Health and What You Can Do to Live Happily Ever After

Once upon a time, a tireless ruler, the heart, pumped rivers of blood regularly in the kingdom of the human body. All was fine until, one day, when a fiery visitor, called Anger, made its presence known. 

Unfortunately, whenever Anger takes the stage, the body becomes a theater of war. Stress hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol all cause the blood pressure to rise, which causes the heart, in turn, to beat faster.

This medical drama continues to unfold when Anger makes repeat visits, thereby causing the plot, or should we say, the blood to thicken. These episodes leave destruction in their wake in the form of arterial damage and inflammation. Whenever Anger appears, your circulation’s infrastructure begins to deteriorate – forming high levels of cholesterol and a build-up of plaque.

Anger causes the body’s resources to prepare for a battle that never happens. As troops of white blood cells and platelets gather around inflamed areas of the heart and circulatory system, the risk that clots will form increases over time. If a clot breaks loose, a coronary embolism or stroke can occur. If that happens, it may result in the fall of part of or all of the bodily system (or kingdom).

When Anger makes its appearance, it can trigger high blood pressure as well, causing the heart to work harder than it needs to – causing it to wear out and the arteries to harden, leading to conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart failure, and arrhythmias that require CPR/AED emergency care.

However, you can prevent Anger from entering the scene by rewriting this tale. Deep breathing, meditation, or a brisk walk can help you rewrite your body’s script – from a frenzied story to a zen documentary over a small space time..

Regular exercise, a balanced diet high in fiber and low in trans fats, and making a commitment not to smoke will  also improve your heart health  and well-being overall. 

Get In-Pulse CPR/AED Training to Protect Other Hearts As Well

You might also think about taking a CPR/AED certification class to stay focused on heart care – not just for yourself but for loved ones and people who, one day, may depend on your help.

Managing Your Anger – Tips for Better Heart Health

Managing Anger is necessary if you don’t want to fall under the shadow of heart disease. It’s not just about cooling off after an angry outburst, it means embracing tranquility – for your heart’s sake – for its longevity. So, take a deep breath and get rid of Anger – showing it out the door, gently but firmly, so you can live and thrive happily ever after.

Below are some tips for protecting your heart from Anger and preventing its appearance or return.

Tip 1: Count Down Until You’re Clam

Next time you’re going nuclear, stop, and count backward from 100. Your brain will be so wrapped up in this pointless mission, it won’t have the bandwidth to plot the downfall of the person who pinched your parking spot or sparked a fuse after they carelessly collided with your shopping cart.

Tip 2: Deep Breaths for Deep Thoughts

Harness the power of your breath. Take a deep inhale through your nostrils, feeling your belly rise, then exhale through your mouth.

Tip 3: Laugh It Off – Literally

Don’t allow anger to rob you of joy. Learn to develop a sense of humor

Tip 4: Walk It Out

Take a stroll – don’t “storm off” when you walk. Take a jaunt where you can smell the flowers and admire the clouds. Take a chill pill – appreciate the outdoors.

Tip 6: Write It Down and Then Forget It

Don’t get mad – write it all down. Get rid of what’s bothering you by then ripping your writing to shreds. Write it down – forgive and forget.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, the story above can help you find peace in the world – with others as well as with yourself.

Author: Donna Ryan

Author Bio: Donna Ryan is a health writer who works in Tucson, AZ. She supports CPR/AED life-saving training programs like In-Pulse CPR. Make sure to click on the links in the above article to learn more about the training and certification.