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Increased blood flow during anger causes skin warmth, leading to sensations like ‘heat of the face’ that contribute to the perception of anger as a hot emotion
Frequent and excessive anger can have negative consequences for our health. (Representative/Shutterstock)
We have all felt the physical sensations of anger: the flushed face, the warmth spreading to our ears. It’s no wonder that phrases like “boiling mad” and “hot-headed” are commonly used to describe someone experiencing anger. But one might question whether our blood temperature actually rise when we get angry.
Scientifically speaking, the answer is no. The human body maintains a consistent internal temperature between 36.6 to 38 degrees Celsius (97.8 to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), regardless of emotional state. Anger doesn’t actually make our blood boil.
However, anger does trigger a cascade of physiological changes. Our nervous system springs into action, releasing adrenaline, a hormone known to increase heart rate. This surge in adrenaline is triggered by the amygdala, the brain’s emotional centre, and impacts our blood vessels.
As the heart pumps faster, blood circulates more rapidly throughout the body. The blood vessels in our face and ears, especially the tiny capillaries, are located close to the skin’s surface. This proximity means the increased blood flow becomes readily visible, causing our face and ears to redden.
Furthermore, the small blood vessels in these areas can dilate, a process called vasodilation. This expansion allows more blood to reach the skin, further intensifying the flushed appearance. The thin skin on our face and ears only serves to accentuate this redness.
The feeling of heat we experience during anger is a result of this increased blood flow, creating warmth in the skin. This sensation, often described as “heat of the face” or “heat of the ears,” contributes to the overall perception of anger’s heat.
While anger doesn’t actually heat our blood, it redirects blood flow towards our muscles, brain, and heart, preparing the body for a fight-or-flight response. This redirection ensures these vital organs receive the oxygen and energy needed to react swiftly. The liver releases glucose into the bloodstream, providing readily available energy, while our breathing rate increases to boost oxygen intake.
These combined reactions contribute to the physical sensations of heat, tremors, and heightened alertness often experienced during anger. It’s important to note that frequent and excessive anger can have negative consequences for our health.
Ultimately, the composition of blood remains the same for everyone, regardless of temperament. Our blood temperature only rises in response to illness, prolonged exposure to heat, strenuous physical activity, or hormonal fluctuations.
While anger doesn’t literally boil our blood, it does create a powerful physiological response that manifests as a feeling of heat, particularly in the face and ears. Understanding these physical reactions can help us better manage and cope with anger’s effects.
