QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GLOSSARY

Adrenaline, noradrenaline

Outside the UK, these are called epinephrine and norepinephrine. Together they are also called catecholamines.

Adrenaline is released into the blood from the adrenal gland; noradrenaline is released as effects occur in response to exercise and stresses such as fighting and fear.

They cause the heart to go faster, the blood pressure to increase, and activate platelets to cause thrombosis.

The heart going faster can be stopped with drugs called ß-adrenergic antagonists or "beta blockers". The increase in blood pressure can be stopped with drugs called a1-adrenergic antagonists or "alpha blockers". These drugs are available to patients on prescription only. The thrombosis can be stopped with a2-adrenergic antagonists, which are not available. We think that such drugs should be developed to combat thrombosis caused by stress.

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