Emotions & Health

Dear Dr. Caraotta,

Someone told me that emotions could affect our health. What do you think about this?

Amy.

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Dr. Caraotta's Response

This is a good question Amy, and the answer could be quite lengthy, but in brief, lets discuss a few emotions that could negatively affect our health.

Coronary heart disease for example has been associated people who have a Type A personality, with competitive and aggressive traits, along with individuals who harbor hostility. Hostility can be defined as expressing anger, aggression, cynicism, mistrust, and a desire to oppose or do harm to others.

Anger has also been shown to be a risk factor for heart disease. In young men, high levels of anger are associated with an increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease and heart attack. In one study of more than 1,000 young men, it was demonstrated that those who had the highest levels of anger were 3 times more likely to have heart disease and 5 times more likely to have a heart attack before the age of 55.

Emotions do play a role in our lives and can positively or negatively affect us. When we exude the fruits of the spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22 in the Bible, we are blessed, healthier and bless other people around us.