What is the difference between cardiac enzymes and the three markers for myocardial infarction?

May 12, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
The differences between cardiac enzymes and the three myocardial infarction markers lie in the tested parameters, varying levels of specificity, and testing speed. Cardiac enzyme testing mainly includes five components: creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), LDH isoenzymes, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The three myocardial infarction markers include myoglobin, troponin, and creatine kinase.

The differences between cardiac enzyme tests and the three-marker panel for myocardial infarction lie in the tested indicators, the strength of specificity, and testing speed. Specific details are as follows:

1. Different tested indicators

Cardiac enzyme tests mainly include five markers: creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), LDH isoenzymes, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The three-marker panel for myocardial infarction includes myoglobin, troponin, and creatine kinase.

2. Differences in specificity

CK-MB has relatively high myocardial specificity. However, elevations in the other four markers do not necessarily indicate myocardial cell injury or necrosis, so the overall specificity of cardiac enzyme tests is relatively low. In contrast, troponin and CK-MB have higher specificity for myocardial tissue. Particularly, elevated troponin levels typically result exclusively from myocardial cell damage or necrosis, giving it even greater specificity.

3. Differences in testing speed

Cardiac enzyme tests are usually performed using large biochemical analyzers, which take longer to produce results. In contrast, the three-marker panel for myocardial infarction can often be completed rapidly at the bedside, providing quicker results.

Patients are advised to seek examination at正规 medical institutions to avoid adverse outcomes.


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