Anger Tests

Anger can put the health of your heart at risk. With regular tests manage your anger and live a longer and healthier life. Have you ever been so angry that it "made your blood boil"? In fact, anger can trigger physiological changes that affect your blood, temporarily elevating your risk of a heart attack or related problem. Research shows that in the two hours after an angry outburst, a person has a slightly higher risk of having chest pain (angina), a heart attack, a stroke, or a risky heart rhythm.

Symptoms

• Mildly angry, irritated, and hassled, but it does not show.
• Moderately angry—so hassled it shows in your voice.
• Very angry, body tense, clenching fists or teeth.
• Furious, almost out of control, very angry, pounding table, slamming door.
• Enraged! Lost control, throwing objects, hurting yourself or others.

Manage your anger

An analysis of 50 studies that included almost 2,000 volunteers found that such programs help people tone down their anger, respond to threatening situations less aggressively, and use positive behaviors such as relaxation techniques or better communication skills. But it remains to be seen whether anger management can reduce heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiac events.

Strategies for keeping anger at bay, including the following:

• Relax :
  In the heat of the moment, try to step back and take some deep breaths to help yourself calm down.
• Reframe your thinking :
  When angry, people tend to exaggerate or be overly dramatic. Instead of swearing, acknowledge your frustration, but keep the situation in perspective and recognize that getting angry won't help.
• Communicate with care :
  During an argument, slow down. Listen carefully to what the other person is saying and stop to think before responding.
• Change your environment :
  When your immediate surroundings trigger a sense of rage, move away if possible. Schedule quiet time alone during very stressful times of the day.