[Changes in the ACTH and cortisol values of patients with acute myocardial infarct]

The plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) levels were studied in 12 patients with clinical, laboratory and ECG data for acute myocardial infarction. The changes were followed up during the 1, 3, 8 and 14 day after the onset of the chest pain attack. Increased ACTH and cortisol levels were established in these patients up to the 5 day. The regulatory principle of action of the opposite relation between these two hormones as well as their 24 hour rhythm were disturbed. These stress-induced hormonal changes should be kept in mind in determining the therapeutic conduct in the patients with acute myocardial infarction.