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Possible health risks when visiting haunted houses

People with epilepsy and other medical conditions, as well as pregnant woman, should avoid haunted houses for safety reasons.

TYLER, Texas — Haunted houses are meant to put visitors on edge. They are not for the faint of heart. However, the faint of heart are not the only ones who should avoid haunted houses.

People with epilepsy and other medical conditions, as well as pregnant woman, should avoid haunted houses for safety reasons.

"When we get scared, we develop the fight or flight response in which our bodies release adrenaline," Dr. James Hoff, Chief of Cardiology for Christus Trinity Mother Francis, said. "And then that adrenaline raises the blood pressure and raises the heart rate, and it actually can lead to a heart attack."

Every haunted house is different and has different restrictions.

"People who have a defibrillator should not be going to haunted houses. People who have had heart attacks and are still having chest pain related to the heart," Dr. Hoff explained.

World of Khaos Thrill Park in Tyler is notorious for being one of the scariest haunted houses in the entire state, going to the extreme to try and scare people who enter its caverns.

Not everyone is equipped to handle the thrills. In truth, there is not shame in it. 

"Safety of the customer, safety of the actors and safety for everybody in the surrounding [area]," World of Khaos owner Charles Cox explained. "The last thing we want to do is have to call an ambulance or get your medical staff. We just want you to have fun."

Experts recommend to consult with your doctor if you are unsure if it is safe for you to go to a haunted house.

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