Repressed anger at work can kill

Fed up? Tell the boss. Men who do not openly express their anger about unfair treatment at work double their risk of having a heart attack or dying from serious heart disease according to new research from Sweden.

The research in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health is based on workplaces in Stockholm and covers 2,755 male employees who had not had a heart attack at initial screening between 1992 and 1995 when the study began.

The initial screen included an assessment of risk factors, such as high cholesterol/blood pressure and lifestyle, and coping responses to unfair treatment or conflict at work. Participants were asked whether they used avoidance tactics, such as walking away from the situation or letting things pass without saying anything, and how often they did so. They were also asked if they experienced any physical symptoms, such as headache as a result, and whether they instead vented their anger at home.

By 2003, 47 men in the group had had a heart attack or died from heart disease.

Physical symptoms and the venting of anger at home were not associated with increased risks. But at work, it was a different story.

After taking account of factors likely to influence the results, including the stress and strain of the job and biological factors those men who persistently failed to openly express their anger were more than TWICE as likely to have a heart attack or die of serious heart disease as those who did show their anger.

Interesting research. But how do you express anger at work without getting fired? What do you think?