Health Notes Hostility and Your Heart A Harvard University study on more than 1,600 heat attack patients showed a strong correlation between bouts of anger and subsequent heart attacks. The level of risk is directly proportional to the frequency and intensity of anger. Anger induces surges in blood pressure, which wear down the smooth lining of the arterial walls, making the rough surfaces more susceptible to deposits of fatty plaques.
People generally tend to rationalize or deny their anger.
To curb hostility, scrutinize your attitudes, search for solutions rather than culprits and let go of resentments. Other controlled risk factors for coronary disease are obesity, smoking, excessive drinking and physical inactivity.