What is the Norepinephrine Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is norepinephrine?
Norepinephrine is a hormone, and also a neurotransmitter. It is made from the nerve cells in the brain stem and released by the adrenal glands. It is also called noradrenaline. It plays an important role in the body as a “fight-or-flight” response.
Also Read: Catecholamine Test
What does norepinephrine do in the body?
- It increases alertness, attention and arousal.
- It constricts the blood vessels, which helps maintain blood pressure in times of stress.
- It regulates the sleep-wake cycle, mood and memory.
What is a norepinephrine test?
This test measures the amount of norepinephrine hormone in the blood or urine
What is the normal range for norepinephrine?
Normal value – 70 to 1700 pg/mL
What triggers norepinephrine release?
The release of norepinephrine is triggered by stress, along with adrenaline. This is the response of the body as a fight-or-flight in the body’s emergency reaction to danger or perceived danger. There are Various changes happen in the body as increased heart rate or blood pressure.
How norepinephrine affects the body?
Stress triggers the release of norepinephrine and adrenaline in the body. The fight-or-flight response cause various changes in the body including:
- Pupils dilate
- Skin turns pale
- Heart beat fast
- Blood pressure increases
- Breathing gets deeper and faster
- Muscles receive more blood flow and oxygen.
What does a low level of norepinephrine indicate?
There are certain health conditions that happened due to low levels of norepinephrine. These are as follows:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity Disorder)
- Headaches
- Memory problems
- Sleeping problems
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Changes in blood pressure, heart rate
- Dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency.
What does a high level of norepinephrine indicate?
The health conditions that develop from high levels of norepinephrine may include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Cold or pale skin
- Severe headaches
- Nervous feeling
- Pheochromocytoma