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.
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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.