Men who interrupt others in the middle of sentence -- as well as those that feel a flash of irritation when they are interrupted -- may be at higher risk of heart disease. Having a dominant personality (one sign being a tendency to interrupt others) or a high level of irritability are two personality traits that make one prone to heart problems.
The researchers found that people who were rated as having a dominant personality had a 47% higher risk of heart disease, and those who had high scores of irritability had a 27% increase in heart disease risk compared with their less domineering, more easygoing counterparts. What's more, the researchers found that the study did not support the common belief that men display their anger and women keep it in. Men and women may just express their anger differently, according to the report.
Psychosomatic Medicine 2000;62
There is no question that emotions that are out of balance will have a profound influence on our health. It is my guess that anger kills more people from heart disease than smoking and high cholesterol combined. Anger should not be held in or kept in subtle ways. Anger should be discussed. You should confront the person with whom you are angry but in a controlled fashion.
This past weekend I had the great honor to have dinner with Dr. Klinghardt while he was in town at a workshop. He really enjoyed the following book. I have not read it yet, but I suspect it would really be useful for people with an interest in this area.
Change Your Brain, Change Your Life : The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness by Daniel G. Amen published in January 2000
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