Colin Linz writes:
Does an elevated heart rate preclude you from attaining this state? I have noticed when ridding motorcycles fast that my heart rate can be high, but in spite of this, and even when something dangerous and unexpected occurs, my actions and thought processes are calm
The thing about the heart rate is that the body can only cope with the pulse being elevated to a certain level before it becomes detrimental to health. In some individuals this threshold is set at a higher point than in others.
Tony Leith writes:
Training will probably help by essentially artificially simulating situations which induce similar physiological responses,which hopefully will make the 'real thing' easier to deal with, but there are no guarantees.
I think you are right on this point. For example because of my nursing background I am not phased by what might be classed as a medical emergency but am able to deal with things in a very cool, calm manner. Similarily a fireman must learn to run into burning buildings and not panic. I'm sure Ade in his particular profession deals with physically threatening situations more frequently than the rest of us. The point is if you do something often enough you learn to deal with the fear.
P.S. The whole emotionless vulcan thing is rubbished by Tuvok having a family if you ask me.