A new study finds that horror films actually curdle your blood and that it’s not just a mere expression. During Medieval times it was believed that intense fear could curdle your blood and so modern scientists decided to put the theory to the test.
The study involved 24 healthy young adults. Some participants watched a horror film followed by an educational film a week later and the others watched educational films first then horror films after a week’s time.
Blood samples were taken 15 minutes prior and after the films and they were analyzed for clotting activity. After watching horror films participants were more likely to have increased levels of a clotting protein known as coagulant factor VII.
Advertisement
Although there was an increase in a specific clotting protein there was no increase in other blood-clotting proteins which could lead to a blood clot meaning you don’t have to worry that a scary movie will actually lead to a blood clot.
Researchers suggest that fear-induced blood-clotting has important benefits evolutionary speaking as it would prevent high blood loss during dangerous times.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
