Anger stimulates the release of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. These two hormones have a number of effects that mobilize the body over the short-term but that can be destructive if anger is chronic.
The hormones cause heart rate and blood pressure to rise. This can damage the delicate inner lining of the arteries and accelerate the development of arteriosclerosis – a buildup of plaque that can lead to a heart attack.
They cause platelets circulating in the blood to become sticky. That enables them to cling to damaged areas on the artery lining, where they clump and release chemicals thought to further stimulate the growth of plaque in the arteries.
They stimulate fat cells to empty into the bloodstream to provide a quick energy source. When that fat isn't burned, it's converted into cholesterol – making more cholesterol available to be incorporated into plaque.
Our internal alarm system triggers the release of adrenaline to heighten our awareness and responsiveness. This gives our blood stream and muscles a quick supply of glucose so we can run fast and make quick decisions.
Also we may have a burst of histamines to ward off infections. A whole complex of glandular and physical arousal occurs. If you have been driving a car and had or nearly had an accident you know what this rush of stimulation feels like.
They suppress the immune system, making us more susceptible to illness.
Can induce weight gain & overeating - may lead to cortisol levels that stimulate your appetite, with the end result being weight gain or difficulty in losing weight.
Simpler still, anger can also lead to headaches; tendency to smoke & drink; problems in inter-personal relationships; physical lashing out at every person or object that irritates.
So the next time you shout at your maid, grumble behind your boss's back, curse yourself for netting a ball in the tennis game, whack your child for not behaving.......... think of what it might do to you.
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