Catecholamines increase heart rate, blood pressure, breathing
rate, muscle strength, and mental alertness. They also reduce
the amount of blood going to the skin and increase blood flow to
the major organs, such as the brain, heart, and kidneys.
Catecholamines are often released into the bloodstream in
response to stress or fright and prepare the body for "fight-or-
flight." Inotropic medications, such as dobutamine, mimic the
action of catecholamines in the heart and can help strengthen
the heartbeat. eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise
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