Why does our heart rate increase when we are afraid or when we hear happy news?

Adrenaline hormone is released from the adrenal gland above the kidney when faced with a fearful event, or something extremely exciting. This thing gives you all the help you need to survive in the face of danger.

You are in danger. You have to think very fast. Adrenaline increases the blood supply to your brain. Brain goes into hyper active mode. At this time your thinking power is quick. Memory also increases.

You must now keep your eye on death. Look around very carefully. Adrenaline will dilate the pupils of the eyes. You will be alert.

You may have to run. May have to think. Brain and muscles need blood. Even if there is no blood on the skin for the time being. Adrenaline diverts blood from the skin to the necessary organs. Your skin will turn white.

Get the blood pumping fast. Adrenaline will make your heart race. The heart will say, thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump. Blood needs oxygen. Your lungs will fluctuate rapidly. You will breathe again and again.

It takes energy to do so much. Adrenaline will increase the metabolism of the body. Glucose will spread quickly in the blood. The liver will break down its stores and release the glucose. If needed, fat will be broken down into glucose. Glucose will burn in cells, energy will be produced. It takes energy to survive.

The body will not be able to sustain this hyperactive mood for long. After a while the effect of adrenaline will decrease, the body will also fall down. But that brief adrenaline rush may save you from certain death. At that time you can do things, which you cannot imagine under normal circumstances. I read this story in the book of Tsavo Manukheko that the man who fell into the lion’s mouth and could not cut down the tree managed to climb the thorn tree.