How a Halloween scare can stress the heart

Halloween traditions range from collecting candy to enduring jump scares in haunted attractions, but for some, the fright carries a physical cost. Cardiologist Jeff Ziffra of Advocate Health confirmed that a sudden scare can technically kill a person, though the event remains rare.

When the brain perceives danger, it releases a surge of adrenaline. This hormone raises blood pressure and heart rate as the body enters fight-or-flight mode. The American Heart Association notes that this reaction also impacts the liver and pancreas. For most people, these changes are temporary and manageable.

The risk increases when the body has underlying vulnerabilities. Ziffra explained that pre-existing conditions or known heart disease often serve as the factor that allows an adrenaline spike to trigger a cardiac issue. He identified stress-induced cardiomyopathy, commonly known as broken heart syndrome, as a specific outcome. This condition mimics the symptoms of a heart attack or heart failure and, in very rare instances, leads to death.

Dr. Vincent Bufalino, a cardiologist and president of Advocate Medical Group in Downers Grove, cautioned that the severity of the scare matters. He noted that while a sudden cardiac event is possible, it would be a stretch to blame it on a simple costumed trick-or-treater. The body's response is difficult to predict or prepare for.

Individuals with healthy hearts typically experience less impact from emotional swings. However, those with a family history of heart problems, previous heart attacks, or irregular heart rhythms should consider avoiding intense scary activities. Ziffra suggested these groups weigh the risks before engaging in high-stress entertainment.

The precise trigger for these events varies by person. Bufalino stated that adrenaline is difficult to measure and the events that cause it are diverse. One person's reaction to a fright may differ completely from another's, making the outcome largely dependent on individual biological responses.

Cardiologists advise that while the risk is low, the mechanism is real. The heart responds to emotional stress just as it does to physical exertion. For those with existing risk factors, the intensity of the scare can determine whether the body copes or suffers a cardiac event.