Cardiac enzymes are proteins found in the heart muscles and released into the bloodstream when there is damage to the heart. Measuring these enzymes in the blood is a common diagnostic tool used to diagnose a heart attack or other cardiac conditions.
There are several different types of cardiac enzymes that can be measured in a blood test, including creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, myoglobin, and troponin. These enzymes are released into the bloodstream in response to different types of heart damage, and each enzyme has its own specific time frame for release and clearance from the bloodstream.
Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme that is found in muscle tissue, including the heart muscle. When the heart muscle is damaged, such as during a heart attack, CK is released into the bloodstream. CK-MB is a subtype of CK that is more specific to the heart muscle, so measuring CK-MB levels can help diagnose a heart attack.
Myoglobin is a protein that is found in muscle tissue, including the heart muscle. When the heart muscle is damaged, myoglobin is released into the bloodstream. However, myoglobin levels can also be elevated in other conditions, such as muscle injury or inflammation.
Troponin is a protein found only in heart muscle cells and is considered the most specific cardiac enzyme for diagnosing a heart attack. When the heart muscle is damaged, troponin is released into the bloodstream and can remain elevated for several days.
A cardiac enzyme analysis is typically performed as part of an overall assessment for chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack. The test involves taking a blood sample and measuring the levels of one or more cardiac enzymes. Elevated levels of cardiac enzymes suggest that there has been damage to the heart muscle.
Cardiac enzyme analysis is an important diagnostic tool for detecting heart attacks and other cardiac conditions. If you are experiencing chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
