I came across an article in the April 28 2000 issue of Life Sciences journal (thanks to an email from privatemdlabs.com) that related hostility, anger, and repressed anger with elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. From the abstract: “One psychological attribute showing a strong association with risk is hostility, which is prospectively predictive of future cardiovascular disease endpoints. Another related psychological factor is anger expression; coronary heart disease risk is associated with both heightened expression and inhibition of anger. ” The findings discussed in the article showed that the amino acid homocysteine, which is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk, is elevated in people who are experiencing hostility, anger, and repressed anger.
Now think about this from an energetic and symbolic point of view. The heart is the organ of circulation in the body. Anger and hostility both represent restriction of energy, which puts a load on the heart. Ann likened it to cavitation in a pump, and it so happens that cavitation is harmful to pumps too.
The heart is also the seat of love in the body. Anger is always based on fear, and fear is the opposite of love, so anger and hostility are both going to work against the heart and eventually produce dis-ease.
Ann and I often refer to the “Probable Feelings Causing Ill-ness” chapter of Karol K. Truman’s book “Feelings Buried Alive Never Die…” Under “Heart Problems” I found among other things: “Violating the laws of love,” “Feelings of compassion or rejection being blocked,” “Feelings of resentment and/or hurt,” and maybe most importantly “Has a difficult time forgiving (including self).”
Are you or someone you know having issues with anger, hostility, or forgiveness? My book “Rules Of The Spirit” can help them understand this and let it go easier. And of course my upcoming book “The Energy Of Forgiveness” goes even deeper into forgiveness itself. Either would be heart-healthy books to read. You can order “Rules Of The Spirit” from the website rulesofthespirit.com or from amazon.com (search for “Paul C McKinley”)