The normal situation – the fight-or-flight response

Under normal circumstances, when a person is confronted by an acute stressful, or threatening situation the secretion of cortisol rapidly increases. In combination with increased secretion of adrenaline, this leads to an increased metabolic rate and greater availability of energy stores, as well as faster heart rate, higher blood pressure and increased blood flow to muscles. This complex set of reactions is known as the ‘fight-or-flight’ response and prepares the body for immediate physical action.