Systemic Catecholaminergic Deficiency in Depressed Patients with and without Coronary Artery Disease.

Background: Stress and depression are known to contribute to coronary artery disease (CAD) with catecholamines (CA), altering the balance to a pro- and anti-inflammatory stetting and potentially playing a key role in the underlying pathophysiology. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of social stress on the CA system and inflammation markers in patients suffering from CAD and depression.

Methods: 93 subjects were exposed to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST).