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 Markers: What They Are and Why They Matter
Introduction
Cardiac markers are substances released into the blood when the heart muscle is damaged. They play a crucial role in diagnosing heart-related conditions, especially heart attacks (myocardial infarction).
Major Cardiac Markers
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Troponins (Troponin I and Troponin T)
- Most sensitive and specific markers for heart muscle damage.
- Begin to rise within 3-6 hours of a heart attack and remain elevated for up to 10-14 days.
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Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB)
- Rises within 3-6 hours, peaks at 12-24 hours, and returns to normal within 48-72 hours.
- Less specific than troponins but useful for detecting recurrent heart attacks.
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Myoglobin
- Rises within 1-2 hours but is not specific to the heart (found in other muscles too).
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B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and NT-proBNP
- Used mainly for diagnosing heart failure, not heart attacks.
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C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
- Indicators of inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
When Are Cardiac Markers Used?
- Diagnosing a Heart Attack: Troponins are the gold standard.
- Detecting Reinfarction: CK-MB can help detect another heart attack shortly after the first one.
- Assessing Heart Failure: BNP and NT-proBNP help evaluate the severity of heart failure.
- Evaluating Cardiovascular Risk: hs-CRP can indicate underlying inflammation that may lead to heart disease.
Interpretation of Results
- Elevated troponins → myocardial infarction likely
- Elevated BNP → heart failure likely
- Elevated hs-CRP → higher risk of cardiovascular disease
It is essential to interpret these tests in conjunction with symptoms, ECG findings, and imaging studies.
Conclusion
Cardiac markers are vital tools in cardiology, helping doctors diagnose, assess, and manage heart disease. If you have concerns about heart-related symptoms, consult a healthcare provider immediately.
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 for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/38/3720/7243210
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37622654/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/14/1289/5898842
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21873419/
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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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