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Hormonal response in untreated myocardial infarction
Cardioscience
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Early myocardial infarction (heart attack) diagnosis may involve monitoring key hormones. This study found elevated levels of stress hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol, alongside others such as aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide, in patients shortly after symptom onset.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
- Early diagnosis and understanding of the pathophysiological changes during MI are crucial for timely intervention.
- Hormonal responses play a significant role in the body's reaction to acute cardiac events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the plasma hormone profiles in patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction.
- To identify specific hormones that are altered in the early stages of MI, before treatment initiation.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from patients within two hours of myocardial infarction symptom onset.
- Plasma hormone concentrations were measured using established biochemical assays.
- A panel of hormones including catecholamines, peptides, and steroids were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased plasma concentrations of norepinephrine, epinephrine, glucagon, aldosterone, vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide, corticotrophin, prolactin, cortisol, and substance P were observed.
- Elevated plasma renin activity was also detected.
- Plasma levels of insulin, growth hormone, neurotensin, bombesin, and vasointestinal peptide remained within normal ranges.
Conclusions:
- Acute myocardial infarction is associated with a distinct pattern of early hormonal changes.
- The observed elevations in stress hormones and other related peptides suggest a significant neuroendocrine response to acute cardiac ischemia.
- These hormonal markers may hold potential for early diagnostic or prognostic applications in myocardial infarction.