The acceleration and sense of falling during an exciting ride trigger the body's fight-or-flight mechanism. Although live smarter guru Tony Robbins classifies stress as what happens when the body goes into fight-or-flight mode when it's able to neither fight nor fly, many people actually like the rush.
General Fight-or-Flight Response
According to an article at Michigan State University's Olin Health Center website, the fight-or-flight response is the human body getting ready to meet or escape from danger. Chemical, neurological and physiological changes happen to make the body function more effectively, to maximize survivability and to reduce the impact of damage.This autonomic response occurs whenever the body perceives danger. In the case of an exciting ride, the trigger is the sense of rapid acceleration and risk of falling.
Heart Rate Response
Your heart rate elevates during any fight-or-flight reaction, along with blood pressure, blood sugar and respiration rate. This is because the blood carries sugar and oxygen to the muscles, which in turn makes the muscles able to work. Because a survival situation requires the body to work as hard as possible, this response exists to make sure the muscles have enough fuel. Because the thrill of an exciting ride induces a fight-or-flight response, this is why your heart rate rises during and immediately after an exciting ride.
Chemical Changes
When you sense danger, your adrenal glands release adrenaline, also called epinephrine, and norepinephrine into your blood stream. It's the binding of adrenaline to specific receptors that triggers most of the physiological changes of fight or flight, including your elevated heart rate, says "You: The Owner's Manual" by doctors Michael F. Rozien and Mehmet C. Oz. Norepinephrine regulates attention and helps boost the body's awareness during the perceived crisis.
How Long?
The duration of your elevated heart rate from fight-or-flight response will vary according circumstances, say Rozien and Oz. However, if your heart rate is still up 10 or 15 minutes after the ride, you might be experiencing a panic or anxiety attack. If this happens, consider seeking medical attention.
Risks
The excitement of a safe fight-or-flight situation is fun for many people. However, people with specific medical conditions should avoid the elevated heart rate for safety reasons. Some examples include heart conditions including arrhythmia and heart disease, diabetes and anxiety disorders. Although having one of these conditions doesn't automatically mean you can never ride an exciting ride, check with your doctor before trying one.
References
- "You: The Owner's Manual"; Mehmet Oz et al; 2005
- "The Way We Work"; David MacCaulay, et al; 2008
- Olin Health Center: Fight or Flight
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