Plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity in myocardial infarction with and without cardiogenic shock.

In patients with myocardial infarction, with or without cardiogenic shock, plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline concentrations are increased. However, plasma noradrenaline concentrations are considerably higher in patients with cardiogenic shock when compared with those with uncomplicated myocardial infarction. Plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline concentrations showed a sustained increase until death in patients with cardiogenic shock whereas those concentrations were back to normal levels by the end of the third day in patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction. Plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activities in both the groups were within normal range and did not show any significant variation throughout the period of study.