Elevated Levels and Associated Conditions

• Stress and Sympathetic Overactivity – Elevated levels can arise during acute stress, sepsis, or pheochromocytoma.
• Autonomic Dysregulation – Conditions such as anxiety disorders or certain autoimmune dysautonomias may alter its levels.
• Cardiovascular Strain – High levels may contribute to hypertension and tachycardia.

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Low Noradrenaline and Associated Conditions

• Adrenal Insufficiency – Diseases such as Addison’s disease (which may be autoimmune in nature) can reduce noradrenaline production.
• Excessive Pharmacologic Blockade – Use of beta-blockers or other medications that blunt sympathetic output can lower noradrenaline levels.

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Noradrenaline Levels Across Life Stages

• Age-Related Variation – Noradrenaline dynamics fluctuate with age, influencing autonomic function.
• Older Adults & Neurodegeneration – Dysregulation may be more pronounced in aging populations or those with neurodegenerative conditions.

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Catecholamines (Sympathetic Mediators)

Dopamine, noradrenaline (measured both in blood and urine), and adrenaline (measured in urine) all belong to the catecholamine family.

They are synthesized sequentially from tyrosine, with dopamine serving as the precursor to both noradrenaline and adrenaline.

Blood levels of noradrenaline reflect immediate sympathetic nervous system activity, while urinary measurements of noradrenaline and adrenaline offer a cumulative view of catecholamine production and clearance over time.

Together, these markers provide a comprehensive picture of sympathetic activity and stress response.

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