A health expert has warned that the Government's 'Armageddon alarm' set to take place on Sunday could harm those with underlying heart conditions.
Phones across the UK will be sent an alarm about 3pm on Sunday as the Government tests its emergency alert system for the second time.
The alarm will be sent to all 4G and 5G phones and tablets.
The alarm is designed to send "life-saving information" during moments of crisis, including during a wildfire or storm.
However, a health expert has warned that the test could be risky.
An expert on acute stress responses from Deakin University, Dr Luana Main, indicated that those with underlying heart conditions may benefit from opting out of the alert ahead of Sunday.
According to Dr Main, the emergency alarm could trigger heart attacks in some people.
She told The Daily Mail that "sudden alarms like those used in emergency services can activate our fight-or-flight response, which is our body's way of dealing with a sudden threat or stressor".
An expert has warned the alarm could be harmful to those with underlying heart conditions
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"Even when there's no actual danger," Dr Main said.
"In some rare cases, for individuals with underlying cardiac vulnerabilities, it is possible that it may trigger a cardiac event."
When people are surprised by a loud noise, their bodies can go into a highly excited state.
Dr Main said people's bodies can "react as if we are under threat".
Those with health conditions have been urged to consider opting out of the warning
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"Our heart rate and blood pressure spike," she added.
"Cortisol, our stress hormone, surges, contributing to anxiety, irritability, and long-term stress."
In the past, the reaction could have helped people in life-or-death situations, but it is more often than not, unnecessary.
Dr Main's research found that when exposed to emergency alarms, participants' heart rates jumped from an average of 74 to 111 beats per minute or even higher.
The sudden shock of the alarms has affected firefighters so much it could be fatal.
Studies in the US indicated that almost half of all firefighter fatalities were caused by sudden cardiac arrest, 18 per cent of which were during an alarm.
However, Sunday's alarm won't be nearly as loud or shocking as those used by emergency services.
Though the alarm could still pose a risk to vulnerable individuals.
That increases significantly if the alarm wakes people from their sleep.
Some studies have shown that blood pressure increases up to 74 per cent after being woken by a loud noise.
"Sleep inertia may follow, especially if the alarm interrupts deep sleep, impairing cognition and mood for hours," Dr Main said.
"Frequent nighttime alarms impact our sleep, which can compromise immune function and impair metabolism."
But, the alarm will occur during the day on Sunday.
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