A recent Harvard study reveals that episodes of acute anger increase the likelihood of death by heart attack or stroke. Their studies show that within two hours of a heated outburst, you are almost 5 times more likely to have a heart attack and 3.62 times more likely to have a stroke as well as having increased risk for other cardiovascular complications.
The study was led by Dr. Murray A. Mittleman, senior study author and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. It was published March 3 in the European Heart Journal.
They noted that the risk of anger leading to coronary problems increases even more for those who have frequent bouts of severe anger outbursts. The risk is also greater for people with other health issues, such as previous coronary problems, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, or excessive weight.
Articles on the study are being published around the world, and health professionals are reporting that the findings are not surprising. They already knew that anger causes stress hormones to increase, the heart rate and vascular resistance to increase, and the blood pressure to rise.
I am not surprised by the findings either, but something else surprised me. Most of the articles about the study ended by encouraging good health practices to prevent a heart attack. They encourage such things as heart-healthy diet, exercise, rest, and meditation to decrease stress. It makes sense that health journalists will naturally focus on how to be healthy. We need to maintain healthy lifestyles.
However, because my focus is on relationships and anger, my first question is, “If anger is so detrimental to our health, how can we get rid of the anger?” I’m surprised so little is mentioned about reducing anger, since it seems to be a causative factor. Heart/soul well-being and healthy relationships are just important as a healthy body.
Maybe they didn’t say anything about getting rid of anger because they they know how to build healthy bodies but not how to get rid of anger. Maybe they realize that anger management doesn’t seem to be working.
It is easier to manage an exercise routine than to control your emotions when you’re provoked, especially if you grew up in the midst of anger.
However, overcoming addictive, explosive anger is needed and is also possible.
The secret is to let the Lord transform you.
In Ephesians 4:31 and Colossians 3:8, we are told to get rid of all bitterness, anger, wrath, clamor, slander, malice, and abusive speech. All of it.
And the Lord Jesus is there to help you. He is Savior, Deliverer, and Redeemer. He will deliver and redeem you from the sins that entangle you if you submit and lean on Him.
Uprooting Anger: Destroying the Monster Within http://randkcamenisch.com/uprooting-anger/book/ will take you through Scripture passages which help you attack the sources of anger so you can conquer it. It will give you hope and help to defeat the monster that could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Don’t wait. Don’t increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. If you struggle with angry outbursts—or if someone you love does—check out Uprooting Anger today—for those you love, for yourself, and so you will be a living testimony to the transforming power of God.
Sources:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/angry-outburst-may-trigger-heart-attack-or-stroke-within-two-hours/
http://wtkr.com/2014/03/03/angry-outbursts-may-raise-heart-attack-stroke-risk/
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/angry-outbursts-increase-risk-of-heart-attacks-260725.html
http://voiceofrussia.com/2014_03_04/Severe-anger-outbursts-could-lead-to-heart-attack-study-9244/