Will anger increase blood pressure?

Anger temporarily increases blood pressure, but it is unlikely to cause long-term damage to overall health for most people because it's temporary. Anger is an emotion, and like all emotions, it has a physiological response within the body. Anger triggers what most people know as the fight or flight response. This response is also triggered by stress, anxiety, or perception of a threat.

The response itself isn’t harmful. In fact, the ability to respond to perceived threats has played a large part in the success of humanity’s ability to exist on the planet! The ability to perceive a threat and the chain reaction of events within the body make it possible to respond quickly and effectively when faced with potential danger.

In the case of stress, anger, and anxiety, we may not always need the full response of the fight or flight system. Being angry that your boss has demanded you work overtime isn’t a direct threat, but the body can respond to it as though it is. The brain releases the stress hormone cortisol, and other signals within the body cause the release of adrenaline.

This prompts the body to increase blood pressure to help it pump blood where it may be needed to help us fight or flee a dangerous situation. This is just one of many physical aspects of the stress response cycle in the body. This increase in blood pressure and the stress response is temporary and usually not harmful for most people.

If you struggle to manage stress, anger, or other emotions that cause the stress response cycle to activate frequently, or if you have difficulty returning to your pre-anger state, it may result in an increased risk of other health concerns. For people with existing cardiovascular health issues, it can lead to potential problems.

If you’re concerned about your level of anger or how often you enter the stress response cycle, talk with your doctor or licensed mental health professional. Learning coping skills and relaxation techniques can help prevent harm to your health and increase your overall wellness and quality of life.