Anger Test To Measure Heart Attack Risk

In a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology (January 2000; 5:75-85), 160 men and 24 women who had a history of heart disease or heart attack, underwent an exercise stress test on a treadmill to measure levels of ischemia. Ischemia refers to a reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle, which can lead to an increased risk of heart attack. It is usually measured during physical exertion on treadmill tests

The subjects also took part in a second test where they engaged in two five-minute mental stress tests. The tests involved a confrontational role-playing game and a computerized word game. Participants who reported high levels of anger or irritability during role-playing were more likely to experience ischemia. Women subjects were more prone to ischemia as men may be less likely to admit that they were angry.

The study however highlighted that most incidences of ischemia result from mental stress and not during physical exercise. This could be attributed to the fact that people probably spend more of their time mentally stressed than physically stressed. Researchers advised that anger management could help reduce one's risk to heart attack.
Information provided is courtesy of and compiled by the Academy of Anti-Aging Research staffs, editors, and other reports.

Anti-Aging Perspective :
One of the 5 pillars of anti-aging is the management of stress. Emotional stress upsets the body's hormonal system, including the release of cortisol, the 'bad' hormone. It is very important to have strategies in place, which will help diffuse anger. Anger management is one of the major issues of many, especially those that have Type A personality. Successful stress management techniques include breathing exercises, yoga, qigong, and meditation.