Can Being Scared Actually Be Good for Your Heart?

Today is Halloween! The time of year when we willingly lean into the spookier side of life: haunted houses, ghost stories, and creepy costumes. But here’s a twist—while Halloween frights might send chills down your spine, that jolt of fear could actually have some benefits for your heart.

Why a Little Fear Can Be Heart-Healthy

When something scares you, your body jumps into action. Thanks to a built-in “fight-or-flight” response, your brain releases a surge of adrenaline and cortisol, hormones that make your heart beat faster, send blood to your muscles, and sharpen your senses. Essentially, your body is getting ready to run or react, even if you know the danger isn’t real.

For example, going through a haunted house or watching a scary movie triggers this response, sending your heart rate up temporarily. The good news? This can actually be beneficial! When your heart rate spikes for short periods, it’s similar to how your heart gets stronger with quick, intense exercise. A quick scare can briefly strengthen your heart muscle and improve its efficiency at pumping blood and oxygen through your body.

The Fun Side of Fear

So why does being scared sometimes feel…good? Fear can cause the body to release dopamine and endorphins—the same chemicals that make you feel happy and satisfied. After a fun scare, you might feel energized and even joyful. This mix of heart-pumping fear and the euphoria that follows can even improve mental focus and help lift your mood.

Plus, being scared together—whether with friends in a haunted house or at a Halloween movie marathon—can bring people closer. This is thanks to oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which is released when we share intense experiences with others. It turns out that a good scare with loved ones can make your Halloween fun and a little heart-healthy!

Fear Has Limits, Too

Of course, not all fear is beneficial. For people with heart issues or high blood pressure, repeated or intense scares can lead to strain and potentially dangerous heart events. Just like exercise, moderation is key: a quick scare every so often can help your heart stay strong, but too much can be harmful, especially if you already have heart health concerns.

This Halloween, Try a Healthy Dose of Spooky

Halloween is the perfect time to test this out. Enjoy the haunted house, the ghost stories, or that scary movie you’ve been meaning to watch, knowing that a little bit of fear might actually be doing your heart a favor. And if you want to go the extra mile for heart health, remember that monitoring your blood pressure and making lifestyle choices are essential.

So go ahead—let yourself be a little spooked this season. Just like exercise, it turns out that a small dose of fear might be another trick (or treat!) for a healthier heart. 🎃