Anger and High Blood Pressure

I was told many years ago that blood pressure and angry people were like synonyms; angry people meant high blood pressure, and high blood pressure meant angry person.

As an adult, I have come to the conclusion that this statement is very true. My first mother-in-law, age 65, was a very angry, vindictive woman. Also extremely meddling, over stepped her boundaries and raised her voice quite often. She was diagnosed with high blood pressure and told to stay away from stressful environments, but seemed to cause them on her own.

My second husband, who just turned 33 years old is like a firecracker; as soon as it's lit, it's exploding. He's very impatient, speaks before he thinks, and criticizes everyone he comes in contact with. We recently visited a local pharmacy, and there was a free blood pressure machine there to use. He tried it, and oh my god, I thought he broke the machine. So I tried it, and everything was normal. So, I had him try it again, and sure enough, he was in the heart attack and stroke category, and this was on one of his good days. He has yet to see a doctor, but is scheduled to see one.

It is reported by blood pressure updates says that "high blood pressure and anger are closely associated" and "is a very serious health problem that demands immediate attention". In lamens terms , if you are an angry, uptight person, you might want to get your blood pressure checked. If it wasn't for the free blood pressure check, my husband would not have been aware of his condition.

Since "high blood pressure is a silent killer", the only way to find out is if you get tested. (Blount Memorial.org) If your blood pressure is over "140/90, 'you' are at a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other medical problems, Dr. Peter Scott says".

As you can see, high blood pressure can affect the young and the old. Of course anger is not the only cause for high blood pressure and in some opinions "the relationship between psychological variables and hypertension, if one exists at all, is probably quite complex". Even so, there have been many articles written about the relationship between anger and high blood pressure and confirms my opinions that they are associated.

Sources:

Dr. Peter Scott, http://www.blountmemorial.org/workfiles/MedicalMinute/MedicalMinute_Scott-Flyer.pdf, Blount Memorial

Science News, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/02/010201070214.htm, Science Daily

http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/high-blood-pressure/causes-symptoms/high-blood-pressure-and-anger.htm, blood pressure

http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/high-blood-pressure/causes-symptoms/high-blood-pressure-and-anger.htm, blood pressure