David S. Sobel MDWhen it comes to health, the best thing is not to get angry in the first place. Once triggered, however, is it better to argue, shout, and bang your fists – or silently seethe? Some research suggests outwardly expressing anger only increases angry feelings and may lead to future heart disease. But holding anger inside is also associated with increased risk of heart disease. So what should you do?
Research suggests the answer: stay flexible.
In a study, 116 healthy men were surveyed to determine their usual style of coping with angry feelings. Men who were at either extreme -almost always holding their anger in or almost always expressing their anger outwardly – had significantly higher total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels than men who were flexible in dealing with anger.
The health damaging effects of anger expression may be more due to rigidity, not being able to adapt to changing situations. The healthy approach appears to be staying flexible – changing your behavior based on needs and circumstances.
Sometimes it may be healthy to express anger and let off steam – preferably in a direct, nonviolent, assertive manner. In other circumstances, holding it in may be safer and less damaging to your relationships as well as your heart.
For More Information:
Engebretson TO, Stoney CM: Anger expression and lipid concentrations.
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine 1995;2(4):281-298.
Mental Medicine Update, Vol. IV, No. 3. This previous issue of what is now The Mind/Body Health Newsletter explores the importance of defusing anger and hostility.
Excerpted with permission from the Quarterly Newsletter, Mind/Body Health Newsletter. For subscription information visit the Institute for the Study of Human Knowledge website.
