Is the coronary care unit a coronary scare unit?

In order to evaluate the influence of stress associated with admission to a coronary care unit (CCU), we measured the plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline concentrations during the first CCU hour in 47 patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI). These values were compared with those in healthy hospital personnel. AMI patients had significantly higher plasma catecholamines than patients with no apparent cardiac disease. The highest values were found in patients with complicated AMI. Although the patients had significantly higher plasma catecholamines than hospital personnel, it is concluded that the circulation rather than the situation determines plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels and that stress does not play a major role. This study provides no support for the suggestion that home care is preferable for patients with AMI as a means of avoiding the stress of admission to hospital