About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiac Enzyme Markers
Introduction
Cardiac enzyme markers are proteins released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged. They help doctors diagnose heart attacks and other cardiac conditions. Understanding their role is crucial for early detection and proper treatment.
Key Cardiac Enzyme Markers
1. Troponins (Troponin I and Troponin T)
- Most specific and sensitive markers for heart muscle damage.
- Detectable in the blood within 3-6 hours after heart injury.
- Can remain elevated for 7-14 days.
2. Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB)
- Less specific than troponins.
- Increases 4-6 hours after heart damage.
- Peaks at 12-24 hours and returns to normal within 2-3 days.
3. Myoglobin
- Early but non-specific marker.
- Rises within 2-4 hours and normalizes quickly (within 24 hours).
Clinical Use of Cardiac Biomarkers
- Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Troponin is the gold standard for diagnosis.
- Unstable Angina: Troponins can detect minor myocardial injury.
- Myocarditis & Heart Failure: Elevated troponins can indicate heart inflammation or ongoing stress.
Limitations & Considerations
- Some conditions (e.g., kidney disease, sepsis, pulmonary embolism) may also elevate troponins.
- Serial testing (multiple measurements over time) is critical for accurate interpretation.
Conclusion
Cardiac enzyme markers are invaluable in diagnosing heart attacks. Troponins provide the highest specificity, while CK-MB and myoglobin have supporting roles. Clinical judgment, along with ECG and imaging, ensures accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiac Biomarkers
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.117.005852
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2015/02/09/13/00/Cardiac-Biomarkers-and-Heart-Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000490
- https://www.heart.org/en/-/media/Files/Affiliates/MWA/North-Dakota/North-Dakota-Stroke-Cardiac-Conference/Cardiac-Biomarker-History-Characterization-of-Troponin-Assays-Impact-on-Cardiac-Care-Sep-13-2023.pdf?sc_lang=en
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24222018/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Myocardial Infarction
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/38/3720/7243210
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Fourth-Universal-Definition-of-Myocardial-Infarction
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/2/119/4095042
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28886621/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.