Vanillylmandelate

Vanillylmandelate (VMA) is a breakdown product of catecholamines—hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine that regulate stress response and blood pressure. A 24-hour urine VMA test measures this metabolite and is primarily used to screen for pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal glands that causes uncontrolled hormone release. Elevated VMA may indicate this tumor or other conditions affecting catecholamine metabolism. This test is important for investigating unexplained high blood pressure or specific stress-related symptoms.