Recent research highlights a startling physiological link between temper and heart health, revealing that just eight minutes of intense anger can physically impair your vascular system. A study of 280 adults found that recalling anger-inducing memories reduced the ability of blood vessels to dilate by roughly 50 percent, an effect that lingered for up to 40 minutes after the emotion subsided. Unlike sadness or anxiety, which did not produce the same significant vascular impairment, anger caused the endothelium-the inner lining of blood vessels-to stiffen and lose its essential elasticity, effectively restricting healthy blood flow.
While a single episode of frustration may not be immediately fatal, the cumulative impact of repeated anger can be devastating for long-term health. This temporary restriction in blood vessel function increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis by preventing the cardiovascular system from repairing itself effectively over time. Experts from the American Heart Association suggest that managing these emotional outbursts is not just a matter of mental well-being, but a critical physical intervention for preventing chronic heart disease and maintaining arterial health.
source: Shimbo, D., Cohen, M. T., & McGoldrick, M. (2024).
Effect of Acute Provocation of Anger, Sadness, and Anxiety on Endothelial Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of the American Heart Association