What is cardiac enzyme?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Man
Introduction
Cardiac enzymes are a group of enzymes in the human body, collectively referring to those present in the myocardium. This group includes glutaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. When myocardial necrosis occurs, these enzymes are released into the bloodstream, making them clinically useful for diagnosing myocardial infarction. Therefore, they are referred to as the "cardiac enzyme panel."
When we experience physical illness and are unsure what to do, it's important to go to the hospital for a check-up without panicking. But what exactly is cardiac enzyme?
What Is Cardiac Enzyme?
Cardiac enzymes are a group of enzymes found in the human body. This category includes glutaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. When heart muscle cells are damaged or die, these enzymes are released into the bloodstream. Clinically, they serve as indicators for diagnosing myocardial infarction (heart attack) and assessing the success of thrombolytic therapy after a heart attack. When myocardial cells become inflamed due to various causes—such as in myocarditis—the enzymes contained within these cells leak into the blood, leading to elevated levels of enzyme activity in circulation. Because multiple types of enzymes assist in diagnosing heart disease, they are collectively referred to as the "cardiac enzyme panel."
Cardiac enzymes refer generally to enzymes present in heart muscle tissue. When heart muscle cells are injured or undergo necrosis, these enzymes are released, causing a sharp rise in their concentration in the blood. Measuring cardiac enzyme levels helps diagnose acute myocardial infarction. To test blood levels of cardiac enzymes, a patient should provide a fasting blood sample of 2–3 milliliters early in the morning, which is then placed into a dry test tube. It’s important to note that serum—not plasma—is used to measure the concentration of cardiac enzymes. Heart muscle cells contain specific enzymes; when a myocardial infarction or acute unstable angina occurs, the heart cells break down and die, releasing these enzymes (cardiac enzymes) into the bloodstream, resulting in abnormally high levels.
Additionally, if symptoms occur, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly. We hope this information has been helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!
