
01/10/2025
Being angry all the time or having a hateful attitude can significantly impact your health leading to cardiovascular complications, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, chronic disease and even cancer.
CANCER:
Prolonged anger elevates stress hormones like cortisol, which suppress the immune system. A compromised immune system is less effective at detecting and destroying cancer cells. Also, the physiological response to persistent stress included elevated inflammation. Long-term inflammation in the body is a known risk factor for cancer development and progression.
Some studies suggest that chronic psychological stress can lead to DNA damage and impair the body’s DNA repair mechanisms, which are crucial for preventing the formation of cancerous cells. Also, stress hormones like adrenaline and norepinephrine can affect the tumor microenvironment in ways that promote cancer growth, metastasis (spread), and resistance to treatment.
HEART:
Chronic anger harms the heart by impairing blood vessel function, making it harder for them to dilate and increasing risks for heart attack and stroke. The associated stress response also raised blood pressure and heart rate, while stress hormones can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries over time. This damage to the vascular system, particularly the endothelial lining of blood vessels, is a key mechanism by which frequent anger can lead to long-term cardiovascular problems.
CHRONIC DISEASE:
Frequent of chronic anger can lead to chronic disease by affecting the cardiovascular system, contributing to conditions like high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke as outlined above. It can also disrupt the gut, exacerbating gastrointestinal issues like IBS and IBD. Additionally, chronic anger may trigger or worsen skin conditions by increasing inflammatory chemicals and can be linked to poor lifestyle choices like unhealthy eating, leading to other chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Running out of room here. See comments for breakdown on how anger can cause sleep disturbances, depression and anxiety. :(