Association of High Levels of Plasma Free Dopamine With Future Coronary Events in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

Background There is an intimate relationship between activation of the sympathetic nervous system and myocardial ischemia. This study examined whether plasma levels of dopamine, a precursor of norepinephrine, may provide prognostic information in coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods and ResultsPlasma levels of free dopamine were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in 210 consecutive patients with stable CAD. The patients were prospectively followed up for a period of ≤36 months until occurrence of a clinical coronary event. Coronary events occurred in 37 patients during followup. In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, higher dopamine levels (≥30 pg/ml) resulted in a higher event probability (p<0.01). Multivariate Cox hazards analysis showed that higher dopamine levels were a significant and independent risk factor for future coronary events (hazard ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval 1.3-8.1, p<0.01). Furthermore, patients with higher dopamine levels had lower left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and higher levels of brain natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen than those with lower dopamine levels. Conclusions Plasma levels of free dopamine are increased in association with a decrease in LV function and an increase in inflammatory risk markers. Higher free dopamine levels are an independent risk factor for future coronary events in CAD patients. (Circ J 2007; 71: 688 -692)

Improving Myocardial Perfusion by Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Reduces Central Sympathetic Activity in Stable Angina

“…Increased sympathetic activity has proven to be detrimental in CAD. 16 Current therapy in ischemic heart disease has mainly focused on shielding the β-adrenergic receptor from high sympathetic tone. Although effective, this solves only part of the problem.…”

Coronary artery calcium–a review article

“…Some studies have shown a positive correlation of dopamine levels with CAC, and some have demonstrated negative correlation of CAC with dopamine levels. 30,65 Studies have also shown a positive and a negative association of dopamine blood levels with hypertension which is another risk factor for CAC. 66,67 Dopamine exerts its cardioprotective effect and prevent coronary artery calcium formation by inhibiting the norepinephrine release, reducing pancreatic insulin production and by decreasing the activity of lymphocytes.…”

Dopamine‐imprinted monolithic column for capillary electrochromatography

“…On the other hand, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection results dopaminergic dysfunction that alters DA levels . Furthermore, plasma levels of DA give preindication for cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease . Thus, the determination of DA levels in biological samples is of paramount importance for researchers and chemical analysts.…”