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Mad Enough to Pop a Vessel: The Silent Sabotage of Anger on Your Health

health

By Gavin Hayes

- May 5, 2024

Let's have a chat about your notorious temper tantrums, shall we? Funny how screaming into your pillow never mentioned its fine-print - the quiet, cunning villain out to sabotage your heart's health. Yep, it's a scene right out of a bad comic strip, only it's setting up camp in your living rooms, offices, and hearts. The plot? Anger, the cloak-and-dagger bad guy, wreaking havoc on your blood vessels, upping your risk of heart disease. Exciting, isn't it?

Before you ring the alarm, let's sashay through the data. A study found that anger made blood vessels pull a rather dramatic fainting spell, becoming stiffer, harder, and terribly bad at their chief job - efficient blood transport. This diva-like behavior can pave the red carpet for atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Now, you don't need a PhD to put two and two together - more anger equals more cardiovascular drama.

Dr. Shimbo, of "let's-piss-off-280-people-and-apologize-with-science" fame, noted that anger-induced blood-vessel-dysfunction pulled a disappearing act 40 minutes post experiment. The poor vessels didn't stand a chance against other emotions either. Well, who would've thought? Emotions messing up your health - now, there’s something your 7th-grade health teacher forgot to mention.

The sample for this scientific shenanigans were happy, healthy, young adults with no history of conditions like heart disease or mental health issues (well, until they signed up for this study perhaps). The scientists made these guinea pigs relax before the grand infuriation experiment - sweet, isn’t it? We wouldn't blame you if you wondered whether this noble experiment was only applicable to young, healthy adults sans life's buffet of wretched woes.

Now, hold that thought before you rush off to blame anger entirely for your heart issues. Our competent friend, Dr. Campo in cardiovascular science, advises a little caution. The fleeting effects of fury on your blood vessels need a broader picture to be deemed an official diagnosis. But it’s always a swell idea to master your rage, unless you intend on becoming a real-life Hulk. Healthy habits like being active, meditation, or even ganging up with your crew could be your superpowers.

And hey, if you can't get a grip on your anger, don't fight it alone. Professional help, a stress management program, or random strangers on Reddit - there are all kinds of superheroes out there ready to help you deal with your inner Thanos.

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