The risks of extreme anger on heart health and stroke
Dr. Urwa Hamish, a specialist in internal medicine and emergency medicine, warned of the serious health consequences of intense anger on the human body. In an exclusive statement to Al-Youm newspaper, he emphasized that excessive emotional outbursts not only negatively impact an individual's mental state but also pose a real and direct threat to the health of vital organs and social relationships. He explained that many people fall prey to stress for simple reasons that can be overcome with a little patience and self-control, noting that managing emotions contributes to promoting overall health and protects against serious complications that can hinder mental and physical activity.
The historical development of understanding the link between emotions and illness
Throughout history, physicians and scientists have recognized the close link between mental and physical health. Historically, early medical schools associated strong emotions with disruptions to essential bodily functions. With the advancement of modern medicine, reliable scientific studies have demonstrated that persistent negative emotions are not merely a fleeting psychological state, but rather a biological trigger that alters the body's chemistry. This profound understanding has made stress management an integral part of preventative healthcare programs worldwide, as mental health is now considered a cornerstone of overall physical well-being.
The direct effects of extreme anger on the cardiovascular system
Dr. Hamish explained that intense anger leaves a direct and devastating impact on the cardiovascular system. When a person becomes angry, the body releases large amounts of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones lead to a sudden and sharp increase in blood pressure and a significant acceleration of the heart rate, placing an enormous burden on the heart muscle. The specialist added that repeated episodes of intense anger significantly increase the likelihood of heart attacks or angina, as well as the risk of stroke due to the immense pressure on the cerebral blood vessels.
Global and local dimensions of mental health awareness
Raising awareness about the dangers of emotional stress is gaining significant importance both locally and internationally. With the accelerating pace of modern life and daily pressures, stress-related illnesses are placing a considerable burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Locally and regionally, health initiatives aimed at promoting awareness of the importance of psychological well-being are on the rise. It is expected that disseminating this preventative culture will contribute to reducing the incidence of chronic diseases and lowering the economic costs associated with medical treatment, thus positively impacting individual productivity and the overall stability of societies.
The effects of stress on the nervous and digestive systems
The damage doesn't stop at the heart. Hamish pointed out that the nervous system is also severely affected, with stress leading to muscle spasms, sharp mood swings, and impaired concentration and short-term memory, potentially even resulting in panic attacks and anxiety. He also noted the negative impact on the digestive system; emotional stress increases stomach acidity, which can cause heartburn or exacerbate stomach ulcers. Bowel movements are also affected due to changes in blood flow, leading to episodes of diarrhea or constipation. With chronic stress, the risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome increases, not to mention sleep disturbances such as insomnia and disturbing nightmares.
Effective strategies for controlling emotions
In closing, the internal medicine and emergency medicine specialist emphasized the need to adopt scientific and practical methods to reduce the effects of negative emotions on mental and physical health. He advised practicing deep breathing exercises and meditation, which help relax the nervous system. He also stressed the importance of regular physical activity, such as walking or running, as an excellent way to release negative energy. Finally, he recommended identifying triggers that lead to emotional distress and working to avoid them or deal with them consciously and calmly to maintain a high quality of life and balanced social relationships.
