Acute Stress Response

Acute stress is appropriate when a threat is real and immediate. During acute stress, heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol increase. Cortisol raises blood sugar to provide quick energy for immediate action. Acute stress redirects blood and resources toward the heart and muscles for escape or fighting. The skin can trigger startle reactions because it is highly sensitive and acts as a first line of defense. Acute stress temporarily postpones digestion because immediate danger takes priority. Unexpected light touch can produce physical fight-or-flight signs such as pupil dilation and a racing heart. A scar that disrupts skin signaling may create or amplify a fight-or-flight response. Scars may contribute to stress responses. Even small ongoing increases in sympathetic activation may matter over time.