Which items are included in a blood test for cardiac enzyme panel?
Cardiac enzyme panel, commonly known as myocardial enzyme profile, typically involves blood tests measuring troponin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, among others, depending on individual circumstances.
1. Troponin
Troponin is present in muscle cells and belongs to the family of regulatory proteins involved in muscle contraction and relaxation. Cardiac troponin is one of the key markers indicating myocardial injury. Elevated levels of troponin in the blood usually suggest the presence of myocardial damage or related diseases.
2. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)
Lactate dehydrogenase is a glycolytic enzyme and a commonly used laboratory marker. The level of LDH can help determine whether there is myocardial or hepatic damage. It also serves as an auxiliary diagnostic indicator for conditions such as acute hepatitis and myocardial infarction.
3. Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB)
The normal level of creatine kinase-MB in the body is 0–18 U/L. Levels exceeding this range may indicate myocardial injury-related diseases, such as acute myocardial infarction. However, elevated CK-MB levels can also occur following physical trauma or intense exercise.
In addition, the cardiac enzyme panel may also include tests for alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase.