Will anger raise blood pressure?

Anger is a normal and healthy response to many situations. Although it has a bad reputation because of its link with aggressive or violent behavior, anger can be a powerful motivator. Feelings of anger may let us know when our boundaries are being crossed or when an injustice is being perpetrated and prompt us to take action that comes with positive benefits for ourselves and others.

Anger may also cause problems. Poorly managed anger can result in aggressive behavior that comes with its own complications. Unchecked and chronic anger may result in a myriad of health problems that have long-term and dangerous consequences. Anger causes physiological changes. Stress hormones like adrenaline are produced, and as a result, the heart beats faster, and blood pressure rises.

High blood pressure comes with many potential cardiovascular health risks, including heart attack and stroke. While anger that leads to this type of serious health event is rare, it can happen. Improving your stress management skills and anger management skills can help you decrease the likelihood of developing anger-related blood pressure or anger-related health event.

This may involve embracing lifestyle changes like:

• Attending an anger management program
• Taking breaks from situations that trigger anger
• Learning positive assertiveness skills
• Cultivating time alone to manage stress
• Spending time engaged in enjoyable activities
• Getting regular exercise
• Eating a healthy diet
• Learning and practicing stress management skills like meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and mindfulness
• Engaging in therapy to learn positive communication and cultivating a safe space to “vent” emotions, and learn coping skills

For some people, other underlying health conditions may prompt their doctors to approach the management of anger with medications, like blood pressure medication. If you experience chronic stress, are quick to anger, and have concerns about your health, talk with your doctor to determine the best course of action. While anger is usually short-lived and the risk of cardiovascular events resulting from anger is relatively low, these events aren’t unheard of. High blood pressure that occurs over long periods of time due to anger can be dangerous.