Healthy living
Anti-ageings
Why Mr Angry ages faster
People who are unable to control their temper lose their lung power more quickly than people who manage to keep their cool, and also show signs of ageing sooner, says a US study
Researchers from the Harvard School of Medical Health monitored 670 men over an eight-year period. They measured their lung capacity on three different occasions. What they found was that then men who showed high levels of anger and hostility were far more likely to lose lung capacity over time. This was still the case when other factors such as smoking and educational levels were taken into account.
The scientists have concluded that getting angry causes physical damage to the body, but particularly to the lungs.
Dr Paul Lehrer, of the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey, writing in the journal Thorax which published the study, says that it is not yet known exactly why chronic anger wreaks such havoc on the body, but "it is not hard to imagine how the wear and tear associated with chronic anger could produce physical deterioration."
Previous research has shown that hostility and anger are linked to a wide range of other medical complaints, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, depression, eczema and asthma. According to Dr Lehrer, aggression alters hormonal processes, which may in turn disturb the immune system.
People in Britain could do well to heed the new US findings. The UK has the second worst incidence of road rage in the world (after South Africa) and a reported 45% of us lose our temper at work on a regular basis.
According to Patient UK, there are many ways that you can help keep your anger under control.
- Try to identify situations you find stressful by noticing the beginnings of tension
- Take steps to tackle what it is about these situations that you find stressful
- Make sure you have time for things you enjoy
- Take up a relaxing hobby
- Make sure you get enough sleep
- Eat a well balanced diet
- Take regular exercise
- Learn to relax
Don’t be afraid to seek professional assistance. Cognitive therapy and anger management courses have helped large numbers of people lead happier healthier lives.
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.