Can anger cause a heart attack?

Anger is an emotion that we all experience from time to time. It is a normal emotional response to certain situations and can even be very valuable. Anger can alert us to times that our boundaries are crossed, or when an injustice is being perpetrated, and prompt us to behavior that is beneficial. Anger can also lead to aggression and high levels of stress, which can cause problems in relationships and in overall health as well.

The body response to anger in the same way it responds to perceived threats. The stress response cycle or fight or flight system is activated, and hormones are moved into the body to prepare it to weather the storm the brain has perceived. Adrenaline and other hormones are secreted into the body and this causes a spike in heart rate and blood pressure. Increased blood pressure and heart rate can combine to cause cardiovascular events like heart attacks and stroke.

For most people, a brief spell of anger comes and subsides, without any issue. While a heart attack triggered solely by anger would be a very rare event, the long-term effects of persistent and unmanaged anger and stress can cause elevated blood pressure for more than just a few moments, resulting in higher risk of cardiovascular issues. If you already have high blood pressure for other reasons or have other risk factors of cardiovascular disease, your risk of difficulty due to the increase in blood pressure resulting from anger may be higher.

If you’re concerned about your blood pressure, risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular health in general, talk with your doctor. If you experience anger that is hard to control or manage, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend medications to manage blood pressure or anger and may also recommend some lifestyle changes. These may include:

• Attending anger management programs
• Learning relaxation techniques like meditation, mindfulness, yoga, breath work, and progressive muscle relaxation
• Starting therapy to learn helpful ways to manage anger and have a safe place to “vent”
• Spending time in activities you enjoy

If you’re concerned about your heart health, anger issues, or the effects of stress and anger on health talk with your doctor and a licensed mental health professional.