Did you rage in traffic this morning? Lose it on a coworker who just didn't do what he was supposed to? Or maybe have a moment of gaaaah that a cat peed on the sweater you left on the floor—which was your own dang fault, so why are you so upset? (This last one might be me. Today.)
According to a new study, people who have severe outbursts of anger are more at risk for heart attacks and stroke for two hours after the experiences than those who remain calm.
Says Dr. Murray A. Mittleman, an author of the study and associate professor at Harvard Medical School: "If we look at somebody at higher risk for having cardiovascular events, and they get angry multiple times a day, this can lead to 650 extra heart attacks per year out of 10,000 a year. When we look at a person who is relatively low risk, but if they do have these episodes of anger fairly frequently, we estimate there would be about 150 extra heart attacks out of 10,000 a year."
Why? Expressing anger may cause your heart rate to increase while also elevating the levels of stress hormones. That can all lead to your heart and brain not getting the blood and oxygen they need—which could possibly up the chances for a stroke or heart attack.
If you do have occasional outbursts, study author Dr. Elizabeth Mostofsky says not to worry too much: "Although the risk of experiencing an acute cardiovascular event with any single outburst of anger is relatively low, the risk can accumulate for people with frequent episodes of anger."
The upshot: Taking a deep breath (from your gut, not from your chest), visualizing an experience or image that relaxes you, repeating calming words, and slow stretches can all help you keep anger at bay. And—who knows?—maybe lower the risk of harming your cardiovascular system too.
How do you—ahem—keep calm and carry on?