How does psychological stress typically affect a person's heart rate?

Psychological stress typically leads to an increase in a person's heart rate due to the body's natural response to stressors, commonly referred to as the "fight or flight" response. When an individual encounters a stressful situation, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body to respond to perceived threats by increasing heart rate, which enhances blood flow to muscles and organs, ensuring that the body is ready to either confront or escape the situation.

This physiological response is part of the sympathetic nervous system activation, which helps in managing stress but can also have adverse effects if the stress is prolonged or chronic. An elevated heart rate during periods of stress is a common and expected reaction, as the body tries to ensure optimal functioning under challenging circumstances.

In contrast, other options would not accurately represent the typical physiological response to stress. Decreasing heart rate, stopping, or having no effect at all do not account for the well-documented increase in heart rate associated with stress. Hence, the correct understanding of the relationship between psychological stress and heart rate is vital for recognizing the impact stress can have on overall health.