Intense grief and anger can be acute triggers for a potentially fatal heart attack, according to research by Associate Professor Thomas Buckley from Sydney Nursing School.
Intense states of high emotion such as grief or anger can trigger a heart attack says cardiovascular researcher 听who will speak at a on little known causes of heart attacks featuring an expert panel from University of Sydney.
Dr Buckley鈥檚 research into the physical effects of intense grief has shown that people who had lost a partner or a child are at much higher risk of a heart attack - particularly in the early weeks of grieving.
听鈥淲e鈥檝e been researching the link between acute emotional episodes and risk of severe cardiac episodes and have identified biological responses in bereavement that help explain how you could literally die of a broken heart,鈥� said Dr Buckley, a researcher from Sydney Nursing School and Royal North Shore Hospital.
听鈥淐oping with the death of a loved one can be incredibly difficult on an emotional level, and now we can see the physical impact as well.
鈥淥ur findings highlight the physical impact that emotion can have on your heart and the need to consider strategies to protect individuals most at-risk during times of intense grief.
"More effort needs to be placed on the health and welfare of bereaved survivors, particularly if they have a history of heart problems or experience cardiac symptoms. Our key message is not to ignore symptoms and put it down to 鈥榡ust grieving鈥�,鈥� he said.
Dr Buckley鈥檚 associated research into the effects of anger on the heart has found that the risk of a heart attack is 8.5 times higher in the two hours following an intense burst of anger.
"Our findings confirmed what has been suggested in prior studies and anecdotal evidence, even in films, that episodes of intense anger can trigger a heart attack," he said.
"The data shows that the higher risk of a heart attack isn't necessarily just while you're angry - it lasts for two hours after the outburst.鈥�
In the study, 鈥榓nger鈥� was qualified as 5 and above on a 1-7 scale, referring to 鈥榲ery angry, body tense, clenching fists or teeth, ready to burst鈥�, up to 鈥榚nraged, out of control, throwing objects鈥�.
Two-thirds of the bursts of anger were associated with arguments with family members or others, while the remaining third were triggered by work and driving anger.
"Increased risk following intense anger is most likely due to higher heart rate, higher blood pressure, tightening of blood vessels and increased clotting, all associated with triggering heart attacks," Dr Buckley said.
鈥淲hile the absolute risk of any one anger episode triggering a heart attack is low, our data demonstrates that the danger is real and still there.鈥�
Dr Buckley added that improving general health by minimising other known cardiac risk factors, such as hypertension, high cholesterol or smoking would also lower risk of cardiac episodes.
What: Sydney Ideas Health Forum: Five ways your heart can kill you that you didn鈥檛 know
When: 6pm 鈥� 7.30pm, Wednesday 7 September 2016
Where: Lecture Theatre 4002 (Messel), Sydney Nanoscience Hub, Physics Rd, University of Sydney
Register: Register (free registration)
More info: See听website听
, preventative cardiovascular researcher, Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney
, cardiologist, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Head of Molecular Cardiology Program Centenary Institute
, Program Director NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Medicines and Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney
, Chair of Lifespan Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney
