How to read a myocardial enzyme test report
Oct 25, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Haiying
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, a myocardial enzyme panel mainly includes lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, and alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. The levels of these five enzymes can be compared to assess cardiac function. These enzymes are released into the bloodstream when cells are damaged or die, with a normal range of 200–380 U/L.
Generally, a cardiac enzyme test report mainly includes lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. The results can be analyzed by comparing the levels of these five enzymes. Specific details are as follows:
1. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): This enzyme is released into the bloodstream when cells are damaged or die. The normal range is 200–380 U/L. Elevated levels may indicate conditions such as acute myocardial infarction or cirrhosis.
2. Alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH): The normal value for α-HBDH is 72–182 U/L. Its levels may increase in cases of myocardial injury.
3. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): The normal range for AST is 8–40 U/L. Levels rise in response to myocardial damage or injury to other organs.
4. Creatine kinase (CK): CK is present in cardiac muscle and other tissues. Normally, the concentration ranges from 38 to 174 U/L in men and 26 to 140 U/L in women. CK levels may increase when there is myocardial damage.
5. Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB): CK-MB is a subtype of creatine kinase and serves as a relatively specific biomarker for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction. The normal concentration is 0.8–5.0 μg/L, and it typically rises following myocardial injury.
It is recommended that a physician interpret these indicators to ensure accurate assessment of the results.
