Table of contents:
- What happens to your body when you are shocked
- How come, shock causes death?
- Heart damage caused by shock
- Who is susceptible to death due to shock?
"Ah, you just made me have a heart attack!" You may have heard or said these words many times. Indeed, many people have long believed that shock causes death from heart attacks. However, how can this phenomenon be seen from a medical point of view? Is it true that someone can die from shock? Check out the reviews below, yes.
What happens to your body when you are shocked
When startled, your body will automatically activate self-protection mode. This mode is known as fight or flight which means fight or escape. The brain will read this situation as if there is a dangerous threat.
The nervous system of the brain then instructs certain parts of the body to prepare to fight or escape from the threat. Among other things, by increasing the heart rate, increasing blood flow to the muscles, slowing digestion, and dilating pupils.
This shock reaction was very useful in primitive times because humans had to fight or flee from wild beast attacks. However, in modern times like today, this reaction is certainly exaggerated.
How come, shock causes death?
To activate the mode fight or flight when shocked, the brain will produce various chemicals such as adrenal hormones and neurotransmitter compounds. The chemical reactions of these substances are very toxic to the body. So, if immediately released in large quantities at once, these toxic substances will damage internal organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
However, usually what can cause sudden death is damage to the heart organs. According to experts, damage to the lungs, liver or kidneys will not kill a person immediately.
Heart damage caused by shock
The hormone adrenaline will flow from the nervous system of the brain to the cells of the heart muscle. This causes severe contraction of the heart muscle. If too much adrenaline enters the heart, the heart muscle will continue to contract violently and cannot relax again. Finally, the heart will beat at an unnatural rate.
The human body would not be able to accept such an intense heart race. Blood flow throughout the body also stops suddenly due to heart failure. This is why shock causes death.
Who is susceptible to death due to shock?
Don't underestimate the fatal consequences of being shocked. The reason is, shock causes death in people of all ages and health conditions. Young people and people who are healthy can also experience sudden death from shock. Yes, this phenomenon does not only affect the elderly and people who have a history of disease or heart attacks. Then you should not just startle people.
To lower your risk of dying from shock, you can try meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques. Relaxation can help your nervous system not to overreact if it is startled.
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