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    Carrying too much anger? Hyderabad doctor links it to high BP, migraines, and poor sleep as he shares real-life cautionary tale

    Synopsis

    Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist, illustrates how unresolved anger significantly impacts physical health through the contrasting experiences of two friends. Arun, who harbored resentment, developed various health issues like hypertension and heart problems by age 48. Conversely, Ravi, who practiced forgiveness and emotional processing, maintained excellent health at 50, highlighting the importance of letting go for well-being.

    Dr Sudhir Kumar
    Hyderabad's Dr Sudhir Kumar shares a case of how anger may affect the heart. (Pic courtesy- X and istock)
    While most of us focus on diet and exercise for good health, a Hyderabad-based doctor wants us to consider something often ignored—emotional well-being, particularly how unresolved anger can quietly damage the body. In a widely shared post on X, neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar recounted the contrasting lives of two childhood friends, Arun and Ravi (names changed), to highlight how our emotional habits shape long-term health. Both were smart, ambitious men, but their approach to pain and betrayal couldn’t have been more different.

    Arun held onto every slight. Whether it was a friend’s betrayal or workplace politics, he couldn’t let go. Anger simmered within him for years. By the time he turned 48, he had developed high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, frequent migraines, and eventually suffered a minor heart attack. His medical reports showed elevated stress markers like cortisol and CRP, indicating long-term inflammation and emotional stress.

    Ravi, meanwhile, faced similar challenges in life. But instead of internalising his pain, he chose to forgive, for his own peace. Through journaling, prayer, and reflection, he processed his emotions constructively. By 50, Ravi showed excellent health parameters, including normal blood pressure, rare illness, better sleep, and a heart rate variability typical of someone years younger.


    Dr. Kumar concluded that forgiveness isn’t about excusing others—it’s about releasing yourself from the toxic grip of stress. Anger, when left unchecked, can literally age the body, disrupt sleep, and damage the heart. His post underscores a crucial truth: letting go could save your life.

    Internet reacts

    The internet quickly responded to Dr. Sudhir Kumar’s thought-provoking post on the power of forgiveness. Many users shared how they’ve tried to embrace forgiveness in their own lives, even when faced with deep wounds and heartbreaks. Some reflected on how emotional pain takes time to heal, but acknowledged that forgiveness remains a powerful remedy. Others appreciated the doctor’s message for its emotional depth and called it a timely reminder. Several admitted they needed to start practising forgiveness more consciously, with many praising the post for sparking important self-reflection and inspiring a healthier emotional mindset.

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