Anger is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Research published in the journal Thorax (2006; 61(10):863-8) indicates that hostility and anger constricts the airways and may actually cause pulmonary function to decline over time. The subjects of the research were 670 men. Their level of hostility was determined by using the Cook Medley Hostility Scale. Lung function was measured three times over an 8.2 year period; forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume with a spirometer. There was an association between decline in pulmonary function and levels of hostility, even when other risk factors, such as smoking were accounted for.