Anger is a feeling that everyone has, but when anger persists and becomes chronic, it moves from a normal response into a damaging force. Chronic anger doesn’t just impact mood or behavior; it produces hidden health costs that harm almost every system of the body. As Hershel Korngut indicates in his research on emotional regulation, the long-term consequences of uncontrolled anger extend far further than most people consider.
The Cardiovascular Burden
Chronic anger places a heavy strain on the cardiovascular system. As anger increases, the body discharges adrenaline and stress hormones that elevate heart rate and blood pressure. Constant repetition compels the heart and blood vessels to pump more intensely. Hypertension, heart disease, and stroke become more likely with time. Even after the anger has dissipated, the injury is entrenched and continues to accumulate.
Strain on the Immune System
Chronic anger also compromises the immune system. Ongoing stress deranges the body’s defense mechanisms and renders it less resilient to disease. Individuals who reside with chronic anger readily catch colds, recover more slowly, and are more at risk for inflammatory illnesses. The immune system functions optimally in balance, but anger derails it.
Impacts on the Digestive Tract
The digestive system also takes a hit under the burden of ongoing anger. Stress hormones disrupt stomach acid levels and decelerate digestion. This creates issues like acid reflux, stomach upset, and irritable bowel syndrome. Most individuals ignore the connection between anger and digestion, but the relationship becomes increasingly clear as the issues recur. Experts such as Hershel Korngut say these underlying physical effects tend to manifest prior to individuals realizing anger as the cause.
Neurological and Mental Health Impacts
Chronic anger impacts the way the brain works. Excessive cortisol impairs memory, concentration, and decision-making. The brain gets stuck in a stress loop, upsetting emotional balance and driving irritability. Individuals who endure chronic anger also experience insomnia, exhaustion, and burnout. These neurological impacts complicate everyday life and lower overall well-being.
The Long-Term Physical Toll
The more lasting the anger is, the greater the damage it inflicts. Chronic anger has been linked by research to headaches, muscle strain, and skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis. The body’s stress-induced inflammation sets up a chain reaction that damages health in a variety of ways. These symptoms may initially seem insignificant, but they intensify with time.
Conclusion
Chronic anger does not just affect the mood. It destroys the heart, it compromises the immune system, it hinders digestion, and it changes the functioning of the brain. These insidious health expenses accrue quietly and all too often become significant medical issues. As Hershel Korngut reminds us, individuals need to acknowledge how anger hurts the body and work to reclaim control. Maintaining long-term well-being demands that anger be confronted directly and a healthier, calmer way forward be established.