Since we don’t live in our own private little bubbles of bliss, we frequently experience disappointments, challenges, conflicts, and other less-than-blissful events every day. We can’t help but feel angry when someone cuts us off in traffic or anxious when the phone rings in the middle of the night or stressed over family, health or work issues. Negative emotions are normal, but can they affect our heart health?
Since we don’t live in our own private little bubbles of bliss, we frequently experience disappointments, challenges, conflicts, and other less-than-blissful events every day. We can’t help but feel angry when someone cuts us off in traffic or anxious when the phone rings in the middle of the night or stressed over family, health or work issues. Negative emotions are normal, but can they affect our heart health?
Anger is bad for your heart
When you get mad at your teen, does she tell you not to have a heart attack? As funny as it sounds when you’re not in the thick of anger, her remark has some validity. Research shows that chronic anger is associated with the development of plaque and thickening in the arteries. The stronger and more frequently you are mad, the more likely you are to develop heart disease. If you find yourself frequently fuming, examine your life and work on avoiding situations or people who incite you. If avoidance isn’t possible, strategize how to better manage your madness.
>>Serotonin levels related to anger levels
Anxiety hurts your heart health
Anxiety over a single incident, such as an upcoming job interview, isn’t going to send you to the cardiologist, but if you’re experiencing anxiety daily, you’re increasing your risk of heart disease. The more chronic or intense your worry, the higher your risk. Consider seeing a professional to help you manage your anxiety before it hurts your heart health.
>>5 Practical ways to reduce anxiety
Stress stresses your heart
Stress is a daily occurrence, from your coffee maker malfunctioning in the morning to a peeving coworker to conflicts at home. Research shows that stress can lead to heart disease. Assess the stressors in your life and weed out the ones you can. Because you can’t avoid all stress, work on stress management techniques so you protect your ticker.
>>How stress and depression hurt your health
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