Adrenaline – the most well-known “fight or flight” hormone in the human body. We’ve all heard about it or seen it in the movies, but not everyone fully understands it because they don’t know adrenaline rush symptoms.
That quick response to a stressful, dangerous, or tempting situation makes our hearts skip a bit. More blood gets to the muscles and brain and triggers the entire body. It causes a series of changes in the nervous system and interferes with the brain receptors.
The problem is, that some people might confuse the adrenaline with heart failure and start to panic. But, if you learn how to recognize the adrenaline rush symptoms, you will immediately get a hold of the situation. With the right tactics, you will keep your emotional and physical health under wrap.
Here, you will learn exactly how to do that. We compiled some of the more practical information on adrenaline and how to tell it apart from heart failure. So, let’s get right to it.
What Is Adrenaline Rush?
Adrenaline is the body’s natural defense mechanism. The stress triggers the release of epinephrine, the hormone responsible for the rush, and transports it through the bloodstream. These changes happen in the adrenal glands, which are located just above our kidneys.
When the body feels threatened, it starts to send additional oxygen to the lungs and stimulates the brain receptors. As a result, people have the need to run away, hide, or protect themselves.
How Does the Body React During an Adrenaline Rush?
The constant release of epinephrine interferes with the central nervous system. It engages the brain to react to the first sign of danger and look for a way out. When that happens, the body’s pain receptors go numb, which means people don’t feel as much pain as they normally do.
The quickened blood flow also boosts stamina temporarily. As a result, people can run or jump much better. The prolonged exposure to the adrenaline hormone sharpens mental focus and clarity and allows people to think faster and come up with an escape plan much quicker.
All of these effects happen rather quickly. It takes just a couple of seconds for the blood to reach the brain. But, when the threat dissipates, so do the effects.
Adrenaline Rush Symptoms
Recognizing the adrenaline rush symptoms is the first step to solving the problem. If you know what you are experiencing, you will have a much easier time calming the body. These symptoms include:
- Sudden boost of energy
- Quickened heart rate
- Constant sweating
- Hasty breathing
- Heightened senses
- Inability to feel discomfort or pain
- Boost in performance
- Feeling nervous, jumpy or on edge
- Dilated pupils
How to Tell Adrenaline Rush and Heart Failure Apart?
The quickened heart rate makes adrenaline and heart failure a little tricky to tell apart. But, the truth is, these conditions are nothing alike.
The only symptom they have in common is the fast heart rate. Everything else is completely different.
Take the flow of energy, for example. When a person experiences an adrenaline rush, they immediately feel a surge of energy. This energy gives them the power and strength to do the unthinkable. Like, running for miles, jumping high, and overcoming difficult obstacles.
While heart failure completely deflates the body of all the energy it has. As a result, people feel weak and exhausted. They can’t exercise or run. In many cases, patients notice swelling in the feet and ankles, which makes walking even more difficult.
Another telltale difference is alertness. When the adrenaline starts to kick in, our senses become sharper and our minds clearer. The body finds it easy to concentrate and becomes more alert. With it, they can think better and analyze all the difficulties at hand. In this state, the human body will do everything it takes to survive.
Heart failure hinders the brain’s capacity to remain alert and focused. It reduces alertness and concentration, which makes thinking incredibly taxing. When a person experiences heart failure, they immediately have the need to rest or wait it out. They lose their ability to think clearly.
How to Control Adrenaline Rush?
This sudden energy boost can feel uncomfortable, and sometimes inconvenient. If you want to control the body, here are a few options that can help.
- Control your breathing. The primary step to controlling the adrenaline is breathing. You need to balance out the supply of oxygen and decrease the possibility of dizziness and fainting. To do that, take a paper bag and try to breathe in it nice and slow. Eventually, the symptoms will subside.
- Find a distraction. Exercising can be an excellent distraction from stress. It soothes anxiety and distress. Regular stretching or yoga can do the trick.
- Avoid the trigger. Step away from the trigger and go for fresh air. When the body no longer feels threatened, the symptoms will disappear.
- Monitor your heart rate. Knowing what is going on with your heart rate may come in handy to plan your activities to control the adrenaline rush. You can use personal heart health monitoring devices, related apps, and your smartphone. Which can help you to evaluate your normal heart rate, abnormalities, and heart rhythm trend.
Final Thoughts
The adrenaline rush is not a major cause for concern. But, if it happens too often, and you are not sure whether or not you might be having heart problems, it’s better to contact your doctor. They will show you how you can get your condition under control. Was this guide helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
