Confounding factors to interpret norepinephrine measurement in plasma
What are the confounding factors to consider when interpreting norepinephrine measurement in plasma?
The plasma norepinephrine level must be interpreted with caution as various processes such as emotion, exercise, eating, smoking, caffeine, medications, time of day, blood volume, hypoglycemia, and pathologic states such as cardiac ischemia affect the release, reuptake, metabolism, and removal of this hormone.
In addition, the plasma norepinephrine value must be corrected for age.
The level of norepinephrine increases with increasing age, and the mechanisms involved are both reduced clearance and increased release.
