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.
Understanding Heart Enzymes: A Key to Diagnosing Heart Conditions
Introduction
Heart enzymes are proteins released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged. Measuring these enzymes helps doctors diagnose conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) and assess overall heart health.
Key Heart Enzymes
1. Troponins (Troponin I and Troponin T)
- The most specific and sensitive markers for heart muscle damage.
- Levels rise within 2-6 hours after a heart attack and remain elevated for up to 14 days.
2. Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB)
- Less specific than troponins but helps in early diagnosis.
- Peaks within 24 hours and returns to normal in 2-3 days.
3. Myoglobin
- An early but non-specific marker of muscle injury.
- Rises within 2 hours of damage and normalizes quickly.
4. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)
- Used less frequently than troponins.
- Can help confirm a late or past heart attack.
How These Enzymes Are Used in Diagnosis
- Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): A rapid increase in troponin levels suggests a heart attack.
- Reinfarction Detection: CK-MB is useful to detect recurrent heart attacks.
- Differentiating Cardiac vs. Non-Cardiac Conditions: Elevated troponins may also indicate conditions like myocarditis or pulmonary embolism.
What Patients Should Know
- Normal heart enzyme levels do not necessarily rule out a heart attack in very early stages.
- Regular monitoring is needed for patients with ongoing chest pain.
- Additional tests like ECG and echocardiography are essential for accurate diagnosis.
Conclusion
Heart enzyme tests are crucial in diagnosing cardiac conditions. While troponins are the most reliable markers, CK-MB, myoglobin, and LDH play important roles in specific contexts. If you experience chest pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Myocardial Infarction
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.94.9.2341
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15289388/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000134791.68010.fa
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17679616/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on 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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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.