| 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. |
