Like the research on anger and heart disease, research on anger and strokes suggests that direct and calm expressions of anger may be healthier than chronic anger/hostility or pent-up, unexpressed rage. Some studies, for instance, found that middle-aged men were significantly more likely to suffer a stroke, and that older women with hostile attitudes (expressed or unexpressed) were more likely to develop carotid artery disease. Carotid artery disease significantly increases the risk for stroke.