Getting some exercise at least three times a week does wonders to one’s health – it improves circulation and metabolism, it strengthens the body and it also helps improve energy levels. Some people however use exercise as a way of letting out pent up anger and emotion. Hitting the gym hard is one way to go to let out some steam. A new study however warns against exercising when one is angry, stating that it increases the likelihood of heart attacks, in all age groups.
According to the INTERHEART study that was published in the journal Circulation, combining strenuous physical activity with anger or emotional upset triggered the onset of heart attacks or acute myocardial infarction among the study population. The study covered 52 countries and studied 12,461 cases of heart attacks.
Of the 12,461 heart attack cases, one in seven people said that they were either mad or upset or just participated in strenuous physical activity one hour before the attack. The study however showed that the combination of a state of anger or emotional upset and physical activity increased the odds threefold, according to a report in MSN Lifestyle.
The study cited that both heavy physical activity and emotions bring about changes in the body primarily in increasing one’s heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to the onset of a heart attack. It also emphasized that physical activity is generally helpful in preventing heart disease so long as it is done regularly and not in “short-term intense” bursts.
Next time you feel the need to let off some steam, don’t go to the gym or jog a few miles. You might be better off reading a book, watching a movie or have a relaxing conversation with friends over coffee.