catecholamines

    
      Re: catecholamines
    


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Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - HSB on October 27, 1997 at 13:37:28:

In Reply to: catecholamines posted by cindy on October 25, 1997 at 01:09:17:

: I have been scheduled for a urine catecholamines test.  Can you explain it.
  I know it tests for 3 things.  How will the test be interpreted.  Are they some values that need to be high in order to be okay?  What affects do each of these ( chemicals/hormones or whatever they are ) have on my organs.(heart).
  
  My second area of questioning is heart moniter.  Can I exercise with it on?
  I have been having some non specific problems after walking.I have had cardiolite/persantium stress test, and heart cath.  The Heart Specialist who did them, did tell me my arteries were excellent and that there are no problems.  I am under no restrictions for my heart.  My thoughts are to get on my tread mill and do 10 minutes of walking so that if there is a problem, it would show up.  Any opinion on that kind of thinking?
  Thank you for any insight that you might be able to provide.
____________
Dear Ms.:
Urinary catecholamines are generally measured when adrenal disorders are suspected, specifically pheochromocytoma.   A pheochromcytoma is a catecholamine secreting tumor, typically of the adrenal medulla, that presents as episodic  or sustained hypertension in young to middle aged patients.  Symptoms include headache, palpitations, and periods of profuse diaphoresis.  Tumors can be located via CT scans if the urinary catecholamines are elevated.  
As regard to your second question, please contact your local doctor regarding exercise guidelines.  However, in general, mild to moderate exercise while wearing a holter monitor is safe and may be diagnostic.

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