Not everyone is a fan of horror movies and haunted houses.
But for some, being scared can be fun if you know it’s not real.
That’s because fear puts our nervous system in fight or flight mode, which floods the body with cortisol and adrenaline.
Whether we know it’s fake or are legitimately scared, the things that go bump in the night can also make our hearts thump.
It’s the adrenaline that boosts the heart rate — gearing up to run or fight for our lives. Not only will your heart beat faster, your blood pressure rises as well.
There are other things happening physiologically when we’re scared, including dilated pupils, faster breathing and tense muscles.
We know a scary movie has the power to affect us physically. The real question remains: Can it cause actual problems, like a heart attack?
The short answer: Not likely.
For otherwise healthy individuals, the effects are generally temporary and harmless.
“The physiological changes we could experience during a scary movie are on par with the changes that occur while exercising,” said Thriveni Sanagala, MD, a cardiologist with Endeavor Health.
For individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those at higher risk, however, the sudden surge of stress hormones could be problematic. These individuals should pay attention to any concerning symptoms, like chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness, while watching a scary movie.
Sometimes an intense shock, like the loss of a loved one, can weaken the heart. Studies have shown the risk of a heart attack increases 21-fold within 24 hours after a loss. This condition, stress cardiomyopathy or “broken heart syndrome,” can also occur in reaction to very stressful news, such as a loved one’s cancer diagnosis.
“It’s unlikely a scary movie would produce as intense a shock as a real-life tragedy. It’s more harmful to live in a state of high stress or anxiety than it is to watch a movie and feel momentary stress,” Dr. Sanagala said. “Persistent, or chronic, stress can result in persistently elevated levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which can lead to increased blood pressure and cholesterol.”
It’s worth the effort to find ways to reduce or eliminate chronic stress. Try these heart-healthy tips:
- Recognize your feelings and express them. Talk to loved ones, write in a journal or join a support group. Seek professional help if you need it.
- Manage stress with daily mindful meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises.
- Avoid heavy drinking and don’t smoke.
- Exercise. Try a 15-minute brisk walk, swimming, cycling, gardening or dancing.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
At your annual checkup, tell your primary care doctor if you feel any heart-related symptoms or if you’re struggling with chronic stress.
Learn more about how emotions affect heart health.
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