Scary Movies May Be Bad For Your Health As It Can Literally Curdle the Blood: Study

The term "boodcurdling" may hold more meaning than simply describing a feeling when watching a horrific scene. According to a study that was recently published in the British Medical Journal, watching too many horror films may not just be bad for your health but can also make your blood clot faster.

"For centuries the term 'bloodcurdling' has been used to describe feeling extreme fear under frightening situations," the researchers stated in their study. "The term dates back to medieval times and is based on the concept that fear or horror would 'run the blood cold' or 'curdle' [congeal] blood."

According to the United Press International, a group of researchers from the Leiden University Medical Center decided to conduct a series of tests to see if watching horror films has any physiological effects. A group of 24 young volunteers, all under the age of 30, were asked to watch two movies.

The volunteers were split into two groups. A total of 14 subjects were asked to watch the movie 'Insidious' followed by a documentary "A Year in Champagne."

For the second group, the movies were shown in reverse order. The movies were spaced a week apart with blood samples taken 15 minutes before and after watching each film.

Results indicate that spending a few hours viewing a scary film is enough to influence a spike in the levels of the blood-clotting protein factor VIII. However, lead researcher Banne Nemeth says it is important to note that an increase in the amount of clotting proteins does not mean that the blood clots automatically.

In a press release issued by the Leiden University Medical Center, Nemeth says there are several proteins responsible for blood clotting. The study only investigated the effects on four proteins and out of the four, only protein factor VIII showed the most changes.

Similar studies have been conducted to see how quickly blood coagulates if the person feels anxious or afraid. Unlike in previous studies where the volunteers were performing adrenaline-pumping activities, The Guardian says the Danish investigators wanted to see if blood clotting was possible even if the individual was not exerting any physical effort.

The researchers believe that the ability for human blood to coagulate quickly in times of distress is beneficial to survival. According to Nemeth, "Fearful situations often come together with trauma or injury."

"So from this evolutionary perspective, it would be good to prepare your body for blood loss."

The BMJ December edition includes a host of other light-hearted studies including a research paper on finding proof of Christmas spirit in the brain and Austin Powers.