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Catecholamine

From , former About.com Guide

Updated May 13, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:

Catecholamines are a type of hormone known to strongly affect blood pressure by acting on the blood vessels and the heart. Some common catecholamines in the body include:

Catecholamines are made from the amino acid tyrosine.

Illness and certain types of cancers can increase the level of catecholamines in the body, leading to elevations in blood pressure and heart rate.

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