What happens in the body when we get angry?

 What happens in the body when we get angry?

When we get angry, the amygdala in the brain is activated, triggering the sympathetic nervous system and releasing the hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol.

When we get angry repeatedly, our heart rate and blood pressure increase, and our blood vessels narrow, increasing the risk of heart attack and high blood pressure.

Suppose you are in a traffic jam. You are in a hurry, but the car in front of you does not move. Suddenly someone honks and shouts. At this moment, you get angry - your heart starts beating faster, you have difficulty breathing and your body feels hot.

This is the natural emotional reaction of humans. When we get angry like this, our body also starts to change partially, which is not considered good for our health.

What changes do we see in our body when we get angry like this?

When we get angry, our body immediately activates the ‘fight or flight response’, which prepares the body to face a threat or challenge. As soon as we get angry, the amygdala (the emotion control center) in the brain is activated and triggers the sympathetic nervous system.

This causes the release of hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline, as well as increasing levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). These hormones give the body instant energy and enable it to react quickly.

In ancient times, this process was very useful for protecting ourselves from wild animals or enemies. But in modern life, when we get angry repeatedly over small things, it negatively affects our heart, blood pressure, immune system, and mental health.

Effects on the heart and circulatory system

The most dangerous effect of anger is on the heart. When we get angry, our heart rate and blood pressure increase rapidly. Blood is directed to the muscles, which forces the heart to work harder. Blood vessels narrow, which can cause plaque to rupture in the arteries and lead to a heart attack.

Studies at Columbia University have shown that even a short bout of anger can reduce the dilation of blood vessels for up to 40 minutes, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

In people with high blood pressure or cholesterol, intense anger increases the risk of heart attack by five times. The face turns red, sweats profusely, and the body temperature rises. In the long term, repeated anger increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Changes in breathing and muscles

Anger causes breathing to become faster and deeper, which increases oxygen supply. Muscles tense up—the jaw tightens, the fists clench, and the nostrils flare. This is a “fight” preparation. The body temperature rises and the senses become sharper. These changes are helpful in the short term, but when repeated, they can lead to muscle pain, headaches, and fatigue.

Digestive system and other effects

Anger causes blood to flow from the digestive system to the muscles, which blocks digestion. The mouth becomes dry, appetite decreases, and stomach problems occur. In the long term, the ‘gut-brain axis’ can be affected, leading to ulcers or gastritis. The skin sweats more and the senses become sharper.

The ‘gut-brain axis’ refers to the two-way communication between the digestive system and the brain. It involves the exchange of messages between the brain and the gut through neurotransmitters, hormones, and the immune system, which affects mental health, digestion, and overall health.

Why do we get angry all the time?

It is normal to get angry sometimes, but if it happens frequently, there may be a problem.

For example,

Triggers

The reason for getting angry even over small things is that an event, word, or behavior triggers old memories or feelings. For example, feeling insulted by someone, feeling a failure, or expectations not being met. The gap between expectations and reality can also cause anger.

Stress and fatigue

Daily stress, lack of sleep, hunger or physical fatigue lower the threshold for anger. Lack of sleep makes it difficult for the brain to control emotions, which can lead to explosive anger over small things.

Hormonal or biological causes

Anger increases when serotonin (the happiness hormone) is low in the body. PMS (premenstrual syndrome) in women increases anger. Low glucose levels or thyroid problems can also be causes.

Psychological problems

Intermittent explosive disorder: This is a mental disorder in which there are sudden and inappropriate outbursts of anger. This problem often begins in adolescence, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder. Anger can be the main symptom in stress after trauma. Old trauma (injury or shock) or unpleasant childhood experiences can also trigger it.

The effects of invisible emotions

When emotions such as sadness, fear, shame or insecurity are suppressed, they come out as anger. This is a ‘masked emotion’, which causes sudden anger.

Environmental and social causes

Anger accumulated due to injustice, discrimination, financial problems or family disputes explodes in small triggers. If you grow up in an angry environment as a child, this becomes a habit.

The problem is long-term

Anger that arises frequently like this causes chronic stress, which increases high blood pressure, heart disease, a weakened immune system, insomnia, anxiety and depression.

How to control it?

Practice self-awareness

Try to understand what caused you to get angry. Identifying your triggers is the first step to control.

Give time

Instead of reacting immediately when you get angry, take 5-10 minutes to separate yourself, think calmly.

Writing or journaling

Write down the feelings you had at the moment you got angry

Be calm. It helps to clarify and lighten emotions. Physical exercise: Running, yoga, swimming or sports reduce accumulated stress in the body and calm the mind.

Positive communication

Expressing things calmly and clearly when you are angry rather than using harsh words or actions.

Seeking support

Talking to family, friends or a counselor can provide emotional relief.