The Silent Killer That Could Target Millions of People Worldwide During the Current Recession

Plaque build-up is also caused by another chemical that that is linked to anger and depression called HOMOCYSTEINE (ho-mo-sis-tene) 

 Here’s what happens: Homocysteine injures the cell walls allowing fatty substances to accumulate in the wound. The body naturally attempts to heal itself, and this causes plaque to form in the vessel lining. Additionally, homocysteine makes cells of the coronary (heart) arteries grow thicker and this narrows the artery, further restricting blood flow.

Clogged arteries can lead to a heart attack!

If you were to check WEBMD, you would find that experts have proven that depression and anger have long been linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

You would also find that researchers say that the findings show that these behavioral and psychological factors might help account for the 50% of heart attacks that occur among people without any of the traditional risk factors for heart disease “regardless of their weight, blood pressure, [cholesterol] levels, alcohol use, and exercise status.”

They  found that otherwise healthy people prone to anger, hostility, and depression have higher levels of a substance linked to narrowing of the arteries and future heart disease risk called C-reactive protein (CRP). This protein is released in the body in response to the inflammation caused by stress, infection, and other threats to the immune system.

In addition, Heart Health MSNBC outlined that researchers have found out that “People with high levels of C-reactive protein or CRP had a 30 percent higher risk of cancer, and cancer patients with the highest CRP levels were 80 percent more likely to die early.”

Although these findings are preliminary and research is continuing, it is very often good to know what happens within our bodies even if the process is invisible to our eyes.

DIFFUSING ANGER

 So, how can I diffuse my feelings of anger?

In the bible, the book of Proverbs chapter 15: 1 says:  ”A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Also Chapter 29: 11 says: “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.”

(Of course, you know this doesn’t mean you should hold onto your anger inside, but rather that you should quickly find ways of calming down)

 Anger can work fast. As soon as you feel the surge of anger, it’s important to recognize it and try to stay calm.

Ø      Take a deep breath and let it out slowly: In through your nose, and out through your mouth.

Ø      Count slowly to 10, count to 20 or 100 if you need more time.

Ø      Find a way to distance yourself from the situation.

Ø      Excuse yourself, pull on the side of the road, go to another room, sit down, put your head down or take a walk.

Ø      Think of something funny.

Ø      Tell yourself to “cool it!!”

Ø      Talk yourself down – “It’s not worth it to get angry.”

Ø      Tell yourself “I am not going to let him or her get to me.”

Ø      Pray (a good prayer !! OK?)

Ø      Call a (good) friend and tell him/her what happened

Practice the following deep breathing exercise, so it’s an automatic response when you need it. Ride out the emotion with deep breathing. Surf the anger surge – all waves big or small go to the shore.

Ø      Put one hand on your abdomen (stomach area), Put the other hand on your chest. Inhale and exhale slowly through your nose, so that only your abdomen moves up and down.

Ø      When you feel relaxed, think of something that makes you smile. Then, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.

Talk to some one —it’s a way to release energy

Ø      A friend or relative

Ø      Your nurse, social worker, counselor, or doctor

Ø      Go to Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or Cocaine Anonymous meetings or a support group

Ø      A counselor or minister

Ø      Pray (again, this is a good choice!)

Ø      The Crisis Clinic in the city – look in the community service section of the city telephone book

Ø      Write in your journal

Ø     And above all, keep the Peace!!!