Resolving Stress: How Anger Affects Your Body

Anger: How we deny or reveal it

We already know that all worry, anxiety, and stress beyond limits produce dissatisfaction, lack of contentment, and consequently, anger. We often say, "I'm not angry...", but we reveal our anger in different ways: we are irritated, frustrated, out of patience, we raise our voice, we use the silent treatment as punishment, or we make sarcastic comments.

1. How does Anger affect the Cardiovascular System?

Deaths derived from cardiovascular diseases continue to be the number 1 cause of death worldwide. According to the WHO, 90% of diseases have a psychosomatic origin, and this is due to the indisputable influence of the mind on the functioning of the body.

The case of Nabal: The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 25 the story of Nabal, whose name means "harsh and foolish". He was an angry and stubborn man. After getting drunk, his wife Abigail told him that he was on the verge of being destroyed by David due to his bad attitude. Upon hearing this, his heart failed him and became like a stone. Nabal's angry life (repeated adrenaline spikes) had already weakened his heart, leading to his death ten days later.

2. How Anger limits circulation

Proverbs 22:24 warns us: "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered". In Hebrew, the word for anger (ḥē∙mā(h)) refers to snake venom. Just as venom accumulates in the body, wrath and anger accumulate in the soul (Romans 2:5).

The immediate result of anger is a release of adrenaline and cortisol. Veins contract, impairing circulation. Continuous overstimulation produces high blood pressure. A Harvard medical study even linked anger to a doubled risk of a heart attack. Literally, anger and bitterness act as poison to our circulatory system.

3. How to transform anger into compassionate Power

Because anger is so destructive, it is the first form of stress Jesus mentions in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21). When we rage, we hurt those around us and create resentment that eventually turns to bitterness. To be healed, you must:

• Evaluate your symptoms: Recognize that many physical problems stem from a cardiovascular system altered by emotions.
• Acknowledge your anger: Stop justifying it by saying "I'm frustrated" or "I'm tired." Confess that there is anger, deep wounds, or emotional offenses harbored inside you.

Ask God for the desire and power to transform the stress of anger into genuine love. Surrender your offenses to the Lord and allow His Holy Spirit to bring peace to your heart and healing to your body.