We stand behind our service
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
We stand behind our service
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained episodes of rapid heartbeat, severe headaches, excessive sweating, or sudden anxiety with high blood pressure. It helps diagnose pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor that produces excess stress hormones, and similar conditions that can cause these frightening symptoms. Many people use this test when they have unusual spikes in blood pressure or stress-like symptoms that don't match their actual stress levels.
You'll need to fast overnight for at least 8 hours, consuming only water before your test. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco, and strenuous exercise prior to your blood draw. Try to be relaxed and calm before testing, as stress and anxiety can temporarily affect catecholamine levels. Your blood should be drawn while you're either lying down or sitting comfortably.
This test measures dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and total catecholamines to evaluate how your body produces and regulates stress hormones. Together, these measurements help identify tumors or conditions that cause excess hormone production, explaining symptoms like sudden high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, anxiety attacks, and excessive sweating. This comprehensive panel provides crucial information for diagnosing rare but serious conditions that can mimic stress or anxiety disorders.
What this means
Your norepinephrine level is elevated above the optimal range, which may indicate excess stress hormone production. While this can sometimes occur during periods of high stress or anxiety, persistently elevated levels may suggest a hormone-producing tumor or other medical condition that requires further evaluation.
Recommended actions
Discuss these results with your doctor, especially if you have symptoms like rapid heartbeat or high blood pressure
Your doctor may recommend imaging tests to check for hormone-producing tumors
Avoid stimulants like caffeine and ensure adequate rest before any repeat testing
Follow up with additional testing as recommended by your healthcare provider