Can anger trigger a heart attack? Here’s what happens

HOW DOES RAGE UP THE RISK OF HEART ATTACK?

Anger triggers release of elevated levels of certain stress hormones like adrenaline, epinephrine and cortisol. These first increase the heart rate and then blood pressure (BP). These raised markers can lead to headaches, sweating, pounding of the heart, pain in the chest and anxiety. Now if the underlying arteries are not healthy or if the arteries are already blocked, then the stress on the heart because of the above-mentioned conditions may dislodge the plaque, rupture it, cause blood to clot, block blood flow and result in a heart attack. Excess adrenaline can cause narrowing of the small arteries that supply the heart with blood, causing a temporary decrease in blood flow.

Sometimes, the excess adrenaline may bind to the heart cells directly, causing large amounts of calcium to enter the cells. This interferes with the regular beating of the heart and may weaken heart muscles. This is what we call stress cardiomyopathy.

WHO NEEDS ANGER MANAGEMENT?

Anger management is a must for those living with comorbidities (high BP, cholesterol and diabetes), especially among those who have already had a heart intervention or a bypass surgery.

I would recommend getting into the habit of yoga and meditation, both of which can help you calm your mind and instinctive behaviour. The best way is to learn how to deal with rage. Just do a countdown from ten and wind yourself down. Deep breathing techniques as in pranayama can immediately relax you and slow down your heart beats.

Also, if prone to angry outbursts, then you must focus on controlling all other risk factors for heart attack. Some researchers found that healthy people, who are often angry or hostile, are 19 per cent more likely than calmer people to get heart disease. Among people with heart disease, those who usually feel angry or hostile fared worse than others.

Remember whoever you are targetting your anger at may not be affected by your outburst. But you may be harming yourself. Also know that your outburst may not solve the problem that caused it in the first place but just end up inducing more provocative behaviour from others. Consider counselling if your feelings are uncontrollable.

(Dr Chandra is Principal Director, Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi)