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Cardiac markers, also known as biomarkers, are substances released by the body into the blood when damage to the heart occurs. Its analysis is of great relevance for the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and cardiac ischaemia.
Biomarkers are also useful for establishing the risk of developing these pathologies, as well as for monitoring them. Both conditions are associated with insufficient blood supply to the heart.
Biomarkers used for diagnosis and assessment of cardiac lesions
The main cardiac marker is troponin, as it is the most specific marker for cardiac injury. Others are used, but to a lesser extent, as they can also be increased in case of injury or skeletal muscle disease.
Troponin (I or T)
It is the biomarker with the highest known sensitivity; therefore it is the most frequently used. They appear in the bloodstream after a heart attack and remain there for days, unlike other markers that return to normal levels.
Cuando se hacen pruebas de laboratorio, se puede analizar la troponina ultrasensible (I o T). It is the same protein, but is characterised by lower concentrations. It may therefore be positive earlier than classical troponin.
Creatine kinase (CK)
This enzyme has largely been replaced by troponin, but it is a cardiac marker that is still requested. If you have a heart attack it is usually at least doubled. It can be measured several times during 24 hours.
CK-MB
It is a subtype of CK, but unlike CK, it is more sensitive in detecting damage to the heart caused by a heart attack. It increases 4 to 6 hours after suffering it, but in two days at the most it returns to normal values.
Myoglobin
It is a small protein that is occasionally measured, along with troponin, to aid in the diagnosis of a heart attack. However, as with the other cardiac markers, it is not very specific.
In which cases are cardiac marker tests performed?
Doctors may order such tests if they suspect you are having a heart attack or have recently had one.
It is also a test that may be ordered if you have symptoms of coronary artery blockage such as:
– Chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes.
– Chest pain that gets worse or is not relieved by rest.
– Pain or discomfort in the neck, shoulders, arms or jaw.
Other symptoms that may occur along with the above pain or discomfort include:
– Shortness of breath.
– Extreme weakness or tiredness with no apparent cause.
– Paleness, sweating, cold and clammy skin.
– Nausea or vomiting.
– Dizziness and fainting.
– Rapid or irregular pulse.
Along with cardiac marker tests, other tests may be ordered to measure other factors in the blood such as complete blood count, blood lipids, blood gas or other tests to measure oxygen in the bloodstream, etc.
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