$Unique_ID{BRK01324}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Have You Ever Heard of an "Adrenaline Rush"?}
$Subject{stress adrenaline rush ill defined symptoms symptom endocrine glands
metabolism superhuman epinephrine norepinephrine sympathetic nervous system
hormones adrenal gland catecholamines stressful behavior behaviors stresses
rushes hormone}
$Volume{N-23, C-23}
$Log{
Location and Function of the Endocrine Glands*0002901.scf
The Adrenal Glands*0002906.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Have You Ever Heard of an "Adrenaline Rush"?


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QUESTION:  In a discussion that was about the way people felt under various
circumstances, our friend told of the ability of some individuals to act in
superhuman ways.  He said it was due to the effects of an "adrenaline rush".
Have you ever heard of this and just what is it?

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ANSWER:  The so-called "adrenaline rush" is actually the release of two
hormones, epinephrine and norepinephrine, into the bloodstream as part of the
body's response to stress or a response to the stimulation of the sympathetic
nervous system.
     These hormones are produced in the adrenal glands, which are located just
above the kidneys.  The combination of about 80 percent epinephrine and 20
percent norepinephrine are carried by way of the blood through the body and
then act indirectly as stimulants to different organs of the body.  Both
epinephrine and norepinephrine are part of the hormone group known as
catecholamines.  One of the main functions of catecholamines is to "rev" up
the body to cope with stressful or challenging situations.  When the hormones
reach the muscles, they alter physiological patterns to allow intense muscle
effort.
     That's why you'll occasionally hear or read stories about seemingly
impossible feats of strength performed by people of average strength in times
of extreme emergency.
     Intense exercise also stimulates the release of catecholamines.  The more
stressful the exercise session, the greater the release of catecholamines.
Constant release of catecholamines due to any kind of stress, whether physical
or emotional, may wear on the body, increasing the heart rate and strength of
contraction.  Mild exercise on the other hand has a calming effect, because
mild exercise increases metabolism to burn up excess catecholamines.  This is
why it is important to have a "cool-down" period after strenuous exercise to
use up the excess catecholamines.  Without the cool-down, the chronic release
of catecholamines can negatively affect the body, increasing the risk of
coronary artery diseases, hypertension and ulcers.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.