Even recalling an unpleasant situation can trigger a bodily reaction in just a few minutes.
A group of scientists from Columbia University studied the impact of negative emotions on the condition of blood vessels. The study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
The experiment involved 280 participants over the age of 18 without chronic diseases or cardiovascular problems. Researchers examined how health indicators changed with emotions: anxiety, anger, and sadness.
Participants spent 30 minutes in a relaxed state without distractions. Blood pressure was measured and blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the experiment. They were then divided into four groups:
- Anger: recalled situations that caused strong irritation.
- Anxiety: focused on anxious memories.
- Sadness: read an emotionally charged text.
- Neutral: counted from 1 to 100.
The results showed that the most significant changes were observed in the anger group. When angry, blood vessels dilate less effectively, blood flow is disrupted, and normal conditions return only 40 minutes after the emotion subsides.
"Vascular dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Anger has the most destructive impact. Anxiety and sadness are also harmful, but to a lesser extent," noted Professor Daichi Shimbo, the lead author of the study.
Leave a comment