University of Sydney
The risk of a heart attack is
8.5 times higher in the two hours following a burst of intense anger,
researchers have found after investigating the link between acute emotional
triggers and high risk of severe cardiac episodes. High levels of anxiety were
associated with a 9.5 fold increased risk of triggering a heart attack in the
two hours after an anxiety episode.
University of Sydney research
reveals that the risk of a heart attack is 8.5 times higher in the two hours
following a burst of intense anger.
Published in European Heart
Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care, this is the first Australian study to
investigate the link between acute emotional triggers and high risk of severe
cardiac episodes.
"Our findings confirm what
has been suggested in prior studies and anecdotal evidence, even in films --
that episodes of intense anger can act as a trigger for a heart attack,"
said lead author Dr Thomas Buckley, Sydney Nursing School, University of
Sydney, and researcher at Royal North Shore Hospital.
"The data shows that the
higher risk of a heart attack isn't necessarily just while you're angry -- it
lasts for two hours after the outburst.
In the study, 'anger' was
qualified as 5 and above on a 1-7 scale, referring to 'very angry, body tense,
clenching fists or teeth, ready to burst', up to 'enraged, out of control,
throwing objects'. Anger below this level was not associated with increased
risk.
"The triggers for these
burst of intense anger were associated with arguments with family members (29
per cent), argument with others (42 per cent), work anger (14 per cent) and
driving anger (14 per cent)," said Dr Buckley.
"The data also revealed
that episodes of anxiety can also make you more likely to have heart attack.
"High levels of anxiety
were associated with a 9.5 fold increased risk of triggering a heart attack in the
two hours after the anxiety episode.
"Increased risk following
intense anger or anxiety is most likely due to increased heart rate, blood
pressure, tightening of blood vessels and increased clotting, all associated
with triggering heart attacks," he said.
The study was an investigation
of consecutive patients suspected of heart attack and confirmed by angiography
reports at Royal North Shore hospital. Patients confirmed with acute coronary
blockage were admitted, interviewed about their activities in the 48 hours
before the onset of symptoms, and usual frequencies of activities were recorded
for comparison.
"Although the incidence of
anger-triggered heart attacks is around 2%, of the sample, those people were
8.5 times more likely to have a heart attack within two hours of the emotional
episode. So while the absolute risk of any one episode triggering a heart
attack is low, this data demonstrates that the danger is very present.
"Our findings highlight
the need to consider strategies to protect individuals most at risk during
times of acute anger.
Senior author Professor
Geoffrey Tofler, Preventive Cardiology, University of Sydney said
"Potential preventive approaches may be stress reduction training to
reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes of anger, or avoiding activities
that usually prompt such intense reactions, for instance, avoiding an angry
confrontation or activity that provokes intense anxiety.
"Additionally, improving
general health by minimising other risk factors, such as hypertension, high
cholesterol or smoking would also lower risk.
"For those at high risk,
it is possible that medication such as beta-blockers and aspirin taken at the
time of a trigger may interrupt the link between the stressor and the heart
attack. We are currently recruiting subjects for a study examining this option.
"Our research suggests
that when managing a person with heart disease or in preventing heart disease
in others, a person's frequency of anger and anxiety should also be assessed
and be part of helping individuals to take care of themselves.
"Our message to people is
they need to be aware that a burst of severe anger or anxiety could lead to a
coronary event, so consider preventative strategies where possible," Dr
Tofler said.
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Story Source:
The above story is based on
materials provided by University of Sydney. Note: Materials may be edited for
content and length.
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Journal Reference:
1. Geoffrey H Tofler et al. Triggering of acute coronary
occlusion by episodes of anger. European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular
Care, February 2015 DOI: 10.1177/2048872615568969
