Effect of anger provocation on endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation

Am J Cardiol. 2007 Mar 15;99(6):860-3. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2006.10.051. Epub 2007 Jan 26.

Abstract

Anger is an independent predictor of coronary heart disease events, although the mechanisms for this relation are unclear. The effects of an anger-provoking interview compared with a neutral interview on endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation assessed by brachial artery ultrasound were examined in 14 healthy subjects without coronary heart disease risk factors. The anger provocation condition, but not the neutral condition, caused a significant impairment in endothelium-dependent vasodilation at 90 minutes compared with baseline (p = 0.004) and 30 minutes (p = 0.013). Similarly, endothelium-independent vasodilation was significantly impaired at 90 minutes after the angry interview compared with baseline (p = 0.003) and 30 minutes (p = 0.001). The decreases in endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation were greater after the anger-provoking interview than after the neutral interview, especially between 30 and 90 minutes. In conclusion, preliminary results suggest that an episode of anger is associated with a dysregulation in endothelium-dependent and -independent pathways, suggesting that these mechanisms might contribute to the link between anger and coronary heart disease events.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anger*
  • Brachial Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Brachial Artery / physiopathology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / diagnostic imaging
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Myocardial Infarction / physiopathology
  • Nitroglycerin
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vasodilation
  • Vasodilator Agents

Substances

  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Nitroglycerin