Have you ever used exercise as a distraction when you've been feeling angry of frustrated?

A new study suggests that taking part in a heavy workout while you're in a huff could leave you in a very dire set of circumstances indeed.

The research, conducted by scientists at NUI Galway, found that people who exercise while they're angry can as much as triple their risk of suffering a heart attack.

According to the Independent, chief author of the research Professor Andrew Smyth explained: "Both can raise blood pressure and heart rate, changing the flow of blood through blood vessels and reducing blood supply to the heart."

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The comprehensive study took into account data on 12,461 patients in 52 countries, and looked at what these patients recalled doing in the hours prior to their heart attacks.

Other significant triggers included losing one's temper, or doing physical exercise well beyond one's usual means. Both of these factors doubled the risk of a heart attack within the next hour.

The average age of the patients in the study was 58, and no significant difference was found between men and women.