Does getting angry frequently increase the chances of a heart attack

It’s not uncommon to hear someone say, “calm down or you’ll give yourself a heart attack.” It sounds exaggerated, almost like a dramatic warning from a worried friend. But science is starting to suggest something rather serious behind that sentence.


Frequent, intense anger may not just be an emotional flare-up—it might be quietly hurting the heart. The truth, however, is more complicated than it seems on the surface. Here’s all we need to know about what really happens inside the body when anger turns into a habit.


What the body does when anger strikes


When anger flares up, it’s more than just an emotional state—there’s an intense physiological reaction that begins almost instantly. The heart rate spikes, blood pressure shoots up, and stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released in large amounts.


This sudden “fight-or-flight” reaction prepares the body for danger, which made sense in ancient times. But when this surge becomes frequent, it can strain blood vessels, inflame the arteries, and destabilise existing plaques—key contributors to heart attacks.



What studies have revealed about anger and the heart


The association between anger and heart health isn’t just a theory—it’s been documented in several key studies.


A 2014 study published in the European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care found that the risk of a heart attack was nearly five times higher in the two hours following an intense outburst of anger.


Similarly, researchers from Harvard Medical School highlighted in a 2015 review that frequent episodes of anger can act as a trigger for cardiovascular events, especially in people already vulnerable due to underlying conditions or lifestyle.


These findings reveal that it’s not just long-term habits like smoking or diet that matter—even short-term emotional explosions can push the heart over the edge.


Is anger alone enough to cause a heart attack?

It’s important to clear the air—anger alone doesn’t directly cause a heart attack in a healthy person. But when anger becomes chronic, and the body is repeatedly thrown into that high-stress state, it acts like a slow-burning fuse.



People with existing risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, or diabetes are particularly vulnerable. For them, an angry episode could be the final push that causes plaque in the arteries to rupture, leading to a heart attack.


So, the truth is: anger doesn’t work in isolation. It’s part of a bigger, dangerous mix that quietly harms the heart.


The hidden danger of staying angry too often


One of the most underestimated risks is frequent low-grade anger, not just those explosive outbursts. This kind of simmering irritation, where frustration becomes a daily companion, can keep the body in a state of constant stress.


Over time, this chronic emotional pressure may lead to endothelial dysfunction—a condition where the blood vessels don’t dilate properly, making it harder for the heart to get enough oxygen and blood.


A study in Psychosomatic Medicine even showed that people with higher levels of anger were more likely to have calcium deposits in their coronary arteries, which is a sign of future cardiac trouble.

Video

Why anger feels addictive and that’s not good news for the heart


Interestingly, getting angry often can start to feel strangely satisfying. It provides a momentary release, even a sense of control or power. But this is where it gets dangerous.


Repeated anger floods the brain with dopamine, reinforcing the behavior like a habit. Unfortunately, the heart doesn’t share that rush—it’s left dealing with the fallout.


This emotional feedback loop can become toxic over time. It’s like living next to a volcano, unaware of when the next eruption might cause real damage.