This is what happens the second you get emotional: Adrenaline and cortisol flood your body, your heart begins to race, arteries constrict and your blood pressure rises. You are physically pumped to flee. What’s interesting, though, is that your brain doesn’t really distinguish between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ excitement – the same fight or flight response is triggered regardless of whether you’re caught up in a thrilling grand final or whether you’re fleeing a fire.
Sudden stress
“Unequivocally yes, acute stress is a factor in heart attacks,” says Professor Jason Kovacic, Director and CEO of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and practising cardiologist. “We see an uptick in heart attacks after sporting events or natural disasters. It’s also well documented in stressful family events.”
This is confirmed by clinical cardiologist Professor Geoffrey Tofler, who has conducted
