If you have a tendency to anger easily, you may be at increased risk for a heart attack or stroke - especially if you have heart disease or significant heart disease risk factors. Other tip-offs that anger may be undermining your health include being stubborn, impatient, or hotheaded, and habitually feeling like you want to hit someone or something.

These traits have often been associated with the type A personality, an aggressive, competitive, hard-driving style of behavior. Specific type A traits now appear to be far riskier than others, and anger tops the list.

Fortunately, constructive coping skills -- often coupled with low-dose aspirin therapy, a sound diet, and regular exercise -- can protect the cardiovascular system from the damaging effects of anger and reduce the likelihood of a life-threatening medical emergency.

-- Health After 50