How are you feeling right now? As a U.S. citizen, anger’s probably quite near the top of your list today. A recent survey revealed that 57% of Americans feel angry at the moment.  

More interestingly, the same survey revealed that 67% of the same respondents were experiencing feelings of fear. 

You don’t need to know much about the human condition to realize that these negative states of mind are doing no-one any good, but the situation’s probably more severe than you think. 

If you’re experiencing ongoing feelings of rage, anxiety, and panic, these are the effects of anger on the body that you could suffer down the line.

1. Cardiac Health

Research shows that ongoing anger contributes to heart failure by raising your diastolic pressure (blood pressure). Elevated blood pressure can and does lead to heart attacks.

This finding’s in line with earlier studies by Wake Forest University School of Medicine that suggest angry outbursts double your risk of a heart attack for two hours after the event. 

The solution to preventing these serious physical effects of anger on the body? Speak up about your feelings and resolve your issues as soon as you can. 

2. Anger Harms Your Immune System

According to studies conducted at Harvard University, anger can cause a five-hour decrease in immunoglobulin levels.  These antibodies are your first defense against bacteria and viruses.

They bind to these antigens and help your white blood cells deal with them swiftly. 

Right now, we need all the immunoglobulin we can get. So, if you have anger issues, address them as soon as you can. 

3. Your Lungs Suffer, Too

Yet another study, revealed that people who experienced high hostility levels experienced changes in lung function too.

Anger disrupts normal breathing, negatively affecting lung function, and decreasing lung capacity over time.

The stress hormones released during an angry outburst can create inflammation in the airways too. 

4. Mental Issues

There’s a fine line between your mental and physical health too. The stress associated with anger can cause ongoing anxiety and depression. 

That’s adrenaline and cortisol flood into your bloodstream during an angry outburst. These counteract the feel-good neurotransmitters, like dopamine, which enhance positive feelings. 

Learning to recognize feelings of anger can help prevent chronic depression and anxiety. 

5. Anger Shortens Your Life

The bottom line is that anger releases a host of unnecessary enzymes into your bloodstream. When these have no constructive outlet, they can harm your cells and organs. 

Together, these side effects of anger on the body negatively impact your quality of life and can eventually kill you. 

Avoid the the negative effects of Anger on the Body

You might not realize it now, but you could be setting yourself for suffering thanks to the long term effects of anger on the body.

The last thing you need right now is another thing to worry about. Rather, take steps to deal with your anger and resolve your issues.  

The Evolve Center conducts Anger Management classes weekly at the Atlanta center. To enroll in our online group classes, please contact our offices.