IPB University FKGiz Lecturer: Haunted House Rides Aren’t Just Scary, They Can Also Trigger a Heart Response
The sensations of fear and surprise experienced when entering a haunted house ride don’t just trigger screams. The body’s response to fear can also affect heart function.
Dr Christy Efiyanti, SpPD, an Internal Medicine Specialist at IPB University, explained that the body has a natural mechanism for dealing with threats known as the fight-or-flight response.
“When faced with a threat, the body reacts with an increased heart rate, a faster pulse, and sweating,” explained dr Christy. This response is a defense mechanism that prepares the body to confront or avoid situations deemed dangerous.
She elaborated that during intense fear, the sympathetic nervous system becomes active and triggers the release of hormones, including adrenaline. As a result, the heart beats faster to deliver oxygen throughout the body. At the same time, blood vessels may constrict, causing blood pressure to rise.
According to dr Christy, the combination of an increased heart rate and blood pressure can increase the heart’s workload. This condition is of particular concern for people with a history of heart disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, or heart rhythm disorders.
“A drastic increase in the heart’s workload during situations that trigger intense fear can lead to a heart attack, although this is extremely rare,” she explained.
A surge in adrenaline can also have serious consequences for people with heart disease, such as weakening the heart muscle, causing heart failure, or even leading to a heart attack. Therefore, individuals with a history of heart disease, hypertension, or a tendency to faint due to arrhythmias are advised to avoid activities that induce intense fear.
If someone faints after experiencing fear, dr Christy recommends laying them on their back. If there are no injuries and the person is still breathing, their legs should be elevated about 30 centimeters higher than the level of the heart. Tight clothing should also be loosened, and the victim should not stand up immediately after regaining consciousness.
“If the victim does not regain consciousness within one minute, immediately contact local emergency services. Also check their breathing and pulse. If the victim is not breathing, immediately perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until medical help arrives or the victim begins breathing again,” explained dr Christy.
Thus, although fatal incidents caused by fear in haunted house attractions are very rare, heart health should still be a consideration before participating in activities involving intense fear inducing stimuli. (Lp) (IAAS/LAN)
