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People who get angry easily can be up to 3 times more likely to have a heart attack than their more placid counterparts, according to research in the USA. These findings back up other studies which have shown a link between emotions and heart disease. It is thought that ‘stress’ hormones have the effect of narrowing blood vessels, which could trigger a blockage in the coronary arteries, leading to a heart attack.
Who is at risk?
Most at risk from anger-induced heart attacks are men and women in middle age, who have normal blood pressure. If you have a ‘short fuse’ and lose your temper easily, it could have more serious consequences than just upsetting those around you from time to time. Many people can be helped to overcome their anger. Apart from becoming easier to live with, those who succeed might also live longer.
