Adrenaline

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone your adrenal glands make to help you prepare for stressful or dangerous situations. Adrenaline rush is the name for the quick release of adrenaline into your bloodstream. This gets your body ready for a “fight or flight” response.

Overview

What is adrenaline?

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone your adrenal glands send through your bloodstream. When you’re scared or stressed suddenly, adrenaline is quickly sent into your body. This is commonly known as an adrenaline rush because it happens so fast. You’ve probably heard of “fight or flight.” Adrenaline is what gets your body ready to fight or flee danger.

Are there any diseases associated with adrenaline?

If your adrenal glands produce too much adrenaline (epinephrine) or norepinephrine, it can cause high blood pressure from pheochromocytoma. This is a tumor a provider can remove in surgery. Just because you have high blood pressure, it doesn’t mean you have a tumor. They are rare. Your healthcare provider can do blood tests and imaging to check for it.

What are the symptoms of pheochromocytoma?

Can adrenaline harm my body?

Adrenaline serves a purpose by helping you react in a dangerous situation. But there are times when it’s not helpful to your body. Nicotine makes your body release adrenaline, which causes your heart to beat faster and your blood pressure to rise. High blood pressure is bad because it makes your heart work harder.

When anxiety causes panic attacks, your body releases adrenaline because it thinks you’re in danger. These attacks put your body under stress each time, making your heart work harder.

How do I control adrenaline?

If fear, anxiety or panic attacks are making your body release adrenaline, it’s good to know how to fight back. Do something to feel calmer, such as:

If the methods outlined above don’t always help, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider. They can find ways to manage your anxiety and reduce your risk of panic attacks.