Question 1

why does norepinephrine cause more vasoconstriction than heart rate increase?

Accepted Answer

Alpha receptors : The arteries like norepinephrine more and constrict tighter than with epi.

Question 2

in general, should people with high normal heart rate not be prescribed ssri's due to increased norepinephrine effect?

Accepted Answer

No -- incorrect: Ssri's affect serotonin reuptake only.  There are some like effexor, cymbalta, and pristiq, (desvenlafaxine) which have additional effects beyond serotonin -- these are technically "snris" (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors).  Reports of tachycardia are rare with ssri's, and can happen with snri's.  BP can also be affected with snri's.  These effects need monitoring, but ssri's ; snri's can be safe.

Question 3

how come people use epinephrine for heart attacks, and not norepinephrine? and would one or both be useful for a first aid kit?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine: Better increases blood flow to the heart and brain

Question 4

i have been on a snri for fifteen years. i use to have a low pulse -70s . the norepinephrine has caused my pulse to be in the 90s . could a pulse in the 90s cause a heart problem? i need my antidepressant and dont want to discontinue?

Accepted Answer

: I believe that a continuous resting heart rate in the 90's is harmful in the long run. Is your blood pressure also elevated?  I understand your reluctance in stopping your antidepressant. Although beta blocker treatment combined with SNRI can be problematic, I wonder if your MD would be willing to try you on a tiny dose of a beta blocker, with careful monitoring, ,to lower your heart rate.

Question 5

what are norepinephrine and epinephrine's effects on heart rate, blood pressure, vasoconstriction, sensitivity to pain, and heat production.

Accepted Answer

EPI: It increases heart rate and blood pressure (sometimes dangerously). It causes vasoconstriction. Variable effect on pain but generally increases sensitivity and because it ramps up your metabolism it increases heat production.  Follow your docs instructions very carefully and don't freelance.

Question 6

how do u manage to do open heart surgery though rib cage acts as barrier to heart?

Accepted Answer

Sternotomy: Sternotomy is performed in which the sternum is surgically opened & then put back together following bypass.  However some centers are performing robotic surgery which does not involve sternotomy.

Question 7

has a heart murmur it usually acts up when he's sick/feverish. tonight his heart was beating so fast  he was crying it hurt so bad, it hurts a lot.

Accepted Answer

Murmur, pain: murmur is a noise made by turbulence bloodflow detected by auscultation, classically it is not symptomatically received by the patient.  Rapid heart action with discomfort suggests in this age group the presence of an arrhythmia that requires specific diagnosis and possible treatment.  He needs a thorough history, examination and testing including ECG and blood tests

Question 8

i have a bad anxiety disorder and notice that when i am stressed, that is when my afib acts up and my heart goes crazy. is there an afib/anxiety link?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Stress ultimately causes the release of norepinephrine or adrenaline. This can and often does worsen atrial fibrillation. Make sure that your cardiologist is aware.

Question 9

i have constant chest pain. its uncomfortable and acts up when i get excited or try to do physical activities. i've had my heart checked and its fine.

Accepted Answer

Reflux: Acid reflux, ulcer, arthritis, strain, muscle problems, fibromyalgia all can cause your symptoms. Find physician, who can review all your concerns and find the solution.

Question 10

so sick of my heart skipping all the time and my tongue hurting everytime my heart acts up. what's up with that?

Accepted Answer

Achy heart: If you are having symptoms of palpitations associated with tounge pain i would get this checked.  It appears you have some significant risk factors.  See your doctor.

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Doctor answers about:

Norepinephrine acts on the heart by

A member asked:

Why does norepinephrine cause more vasoconstriction than heart rate increase?

A member asked:

In general, should people with high normal heart rate not be prescribed ssri's due to increased norepinephrine effect?

A member asked:

How come people use epinephrine for heart attacks, and not norepinephrine? and would one or both be useful for a first aid kit?

A member asked:

I have been on a snri for fifteen years. i use to have a low pulse -70s . the norepinephrine has caused my pulse to be in the 90s . could a pulse in the 90s cause a heart problem? i need my antidepressant and dont want to discontinue?

A member asked:

What are norepinephrine and epinephrine's effects on heart rate, blood pressure, vasoconstriction, sensitivity to pain, and heat production.

A member asked:

How do u manage to do open heart surgery though rib cage acts as barrier to heart?

A member asked:

Has a heart murmur it usually acts up when he's sick/feverish. tonight his heart was beating so fast he was crying it hurt so bad, it hurts a lot.

A member asked:

I have a bad anxiety disorder and notice that when i am stressed, that is when my afib acts up and my heart goes crazy. is there an afib/anxiety link?

A member asked:

I have constant chest pain. its uncomfortable and acts up when i get excited or try to do physical activities. i've had my heart checked and its fine.

A member asked:

So sick of my heart skipping all the time and my tongue hurting everytime my heart acts up. what's up with that?

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