| Arguments,
disagreements and heated debates are highly compatible with heart
disease. Recent clinical research demonstrates how spousal squabbles,
emotional distress and anger may impact the heart’s health. A
manageable sized study proved to researchers that certain types
of arguments may trigger hardening arteries (atherosclerosis).
A myriad of daily
lifestyle routines including stress advance a gradual blockage
in the blood vessels. Alternatively, it’s the first evaluation
that has shown researchers a substantial boost in atherosclerosis
following a verbal mêlée.
It is apparent that
people are prone to heart disease for a number of reasons. From
the foods they consume, the cigarettes they smoke to the exercise
they regulate, a healthy heart requires protection. But with
the new evidence released from these clinical studies, relationships,
stress and perspective are other factors which contribute to
being heart-wise.
A professor of psychology,
Dr. Tim Smith, of the University of Utah led the study 150 married
couples predominantly over the age of 59. Dr. Smith chose the
age group based on their astute vulnerability to heart disease.
To test the bounds of heated discussions, couples were assigned
a list of hot button topics to talk about: -- money, bills,
children, household chores, in-laws, and vacations. Next, each
couple had six minutes to discuss the topic while a DVD camcorder
documented the “talk.”
Here are Dr. Smith’s
findings:
The degree of atherosclerosis
in each couple was measured both before the session and two
days later with a CT scan.
Depending on the
type of squabble, negative effects were evident in both genders.
Wives who responded with significant hostility toward their
spouse had more arterial hardening following the argument.
Whenever controlling
commentary made from the husband or wives triggered more plaque
hardening in the arteries.
The gender differences
depict what is important to men and women.
Hostile interactions strike a cord with wives while men are
more offended by domineering words of combat.
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