Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 4: If you're finding yourself frequently angry or irritable, it might be time to look beyond your emotions. Health experts now warn that recurrent anger could be an early sign of high blood pressure, a condition often dubbed the "silent killer" due to its lack of visible symptoms.

According to Dr Vijaya Parmar, Consultant, Non-Invasive Cardiology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, unmanaged stress and anger episodes may be the body’s way of warning us about hypertension, a serious lifestyle disease.

“When anger surges, stress hormones are released, causing the heart to beat faster and blood vessels to tighten — spiking blood pressure temporarily,” Dr Parmar explained. “But if this continues unchecked, it can lead to long-term complications like heart disease, stroke, or kidney damage.”

Middle-aged individuals, especially those juggling work pressure and family responsibilities, are said to be more vulnerable due to fluctuating hormone levels and sedentary lifestyles.
To tackle hypertension, experts recommend sustainable lifestyle adjustments, not drastic overhauls. Here’s how:

• Eat smart: Follow the DASH diet – rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while cutting down on salt and processed foods.

• Get moving: Engage in 30 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking or cycling on most days.

• Manage stress: Try deep breathing, meditation, or pursue hobbies to keep calm.

• Limit alcohol and caffeine: Excess consumption can contribute to blood pressure spikes.

• Regular monitoring: Keep track of your BP levels either at home or with a physician.

Other important steps include maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, sleeping well, and monitoring cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

So, if anger is becoming a frequent visitor, it might be time to listen to your body’s warnings. Early detection and consistent lifestyle management can help keep hypertension in check — and your emotions balanced.