Why Your Heart Races When You’re Nervous | RapidSmartFacts

Have you ever felt your heart pounding before a big moment? That rush,

that thumping, it's your body's ancient alarm system kicking in. It all starts

with your autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch. This system prepares

you for 'fight or flight' when it perceives a threat, real or imagined.

Your adrenal glands, located atop your kidneys, are the primary responders.

They flood your bloodstream with powerful hormones, mainly adrenaline and cortisol.

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is the immediate heavy hitter.

It directly signals your heart to pump faster and stronger. This increases blood