Serum Cortisol Response to Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Aged

Abstract
The adrenocortical response to acute myocardial infarction in aged patients was studied by measuring serum cortisol concentration (radioimmunoassay) at the time of hospital admission. The mean serum cortisol level in 9 patients > 80 yr old was similar to that in 5 patients < 60 yr old. In all patients who died, or in whom shock developed, the serum cortisol concentration was significantly elevated.