Metanephrine Free

The Metanephrine Free test, or the Plasma Free Metanephrines test, is a diagnostic test that can detect and confirm the presence of Pheochromocytoma. This disease entails a tumour in your adrenal gland tissue. The tumour generally appears in a single adrenal gland, but in some cases, it attacks both your adrenal glands together.

This tumour is generally non-cancerous and affects your endocrine system significantly. It produces an excess of hormones known as catecholamines. These hormones further break down into Plasma Free Metanephrines. They are responsible for increasing your blood pressure considerably. Additionally, you will also start showing symptoms like:

• Severe headache 
• Tremors 
• Pallor 
• Panic attack symptoms 
• Shortness of breath 
• Anxiety 
• Blurry vision
• Constipation
• Weight loss, etc.

The Plasma Free Metanephrines test gauges the levels of Metanephrines and Normetanephrines in your bloodstream. If the Metanephrine Free test shows a positive result, you have Pheochromocytoma, and its symptoms will be constant.

They will get stronger eventually, leading to further complications. Here are a few factors that can worsen your symptoms considerably:

• Excessive physical work 
• Labour and delivery 
• Anxiety or stress
• Surgery that involves drugs like anaesthesia 
• Sudden change in body position

The disease starts off with high blood pressure and then exhibits the above symptoms. So if you start witnessing constant fluctuations in your blood pressure, it is time to get the Plasma Free Metanephrines test. Here are some other reasons you should take the Metanephrines test now:

• Family history of  Pheochromocytoma
• Blood pressure keeps shooting constantly
• Family history of genetic disorders 
• Difficulty in controlling your blood pressure with your ongoing treatments

Furthermore, the test uses a blood sample and poses no such complications.

The test is highly sensitive, and you will need to prepare for it accordingly. Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind before you get the Plasma Free Metanephrines test done:

• Have a conversation with your healthcare provider first. You might have to stop taking certain prescription medicines, counter drugs, or supplements, so they don't interfere with the test results. You might have to stop taking some medications before taking the Plasma Free Metanephrines test.
• Keep in mind that you shouldn't just stop taking all medicines altogether. Please consult your healthcare practitioner first to identify drugs that might potentially interfere and then safely push them out of routine for a couple of days.
• Keep yourself away from emotional or physical stresses since this too can affect your Plasma Free Metanephrines levels.
• Stay away from foods containing Tyramine (e.g., beers, wines, chocolates, etc.)
   

Frequently asked questions

Are there any risks associated with the Metanephrine Free test?

The aforementioned test is not associated with any major health risk. Since this test uses a blood sample, you might experience some light bruising, itching, or bleeding at the point of contact with the needle.

How fast do pheochromocytomas grow?

Pheochromocytomas usually grow quite slowly. These tumours will grow in one of your adrenal glands. Tumours grow in both your adrenal glands in very rare cases.

Is it possible to live long if you have Pheochromocytoma?

Your chances of survival are much better if the disease hasn't spread to the other parts of your body. In this case, you can expect a five-year survival rate with a 95% assurance. This value drops to 34-60% if the disease spreads quickly.

Which food you should avoid if you have Pheochromocytoma?

Here is a list of foods you must avoid if you have been diagnosed with Pheochromocytoma: Dried or smoked meals  Chocolate  Certain beers and wines  Certain cheeses These food substances are high in Tyramine, which can impact your blood pressure. These foods are usually aged, pickled, fermented, overripe, or spoiled.

Is there a lot of pain associated with Pheochromocytoma?

Yes, Pheochromocytoma entails quite some pain. The symptoms of the disease include the following symptoms: Severe headaches  Abdominal pain  Anxiety  Profuse sweating  Chest pain  Rapid heartbeat High blood pressure

What is the primary and most dangerous complication of Pheochromocytoma?

If the ailment is left untreated, it will progress rapidly and eventually become life-threatening. This can pave the way for the following deadly complications: Cardiomyopathy (Heart muscle disease) Cerebral haemorrhaging (bleeding in the brain) Pulmonary oedema (fluid accumulation in lungs)