PATIENTS WITH INTRACTABLE ANGINA - FREE-THYROXINE INDEX, IMMUNOREACTIVE INSULIN AND FREE FATTY-ACIDS IN BLOOD, FREE ADRENALINE AND NORADRENALINE IN URINE
The activity of adrenergic system, thyroid gland and blood levels of insulin and FFA [free fatty acids] were studied in 120 patients with intractable angina. Noradrenaline [norepinephrine] excretion was normal but that of adrenaline [epinephrine] was augmented in a vast majority of patients and even doubled in 27% of cases. Free thyroxine index values were abnormally high in 22% of cases and inversely correlated with ergometric performance. A diabetic-like insulin response after 50.0 g oral glucose intake was found in 10 of 26 examined patients. Abnormally high values of FFA were observed in 66%. The mechanisms likely to account for these alterations and their suspected influence on clinical course of intractable angina are discussed.