What diseases can be detected by measuring cardiac enzymes?

May 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Tian Hongbo

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, myocardial enzymes refer to a myocardial enzyme test. A myocardial enzyme test may detect diseases such as viral myocarditis, unstable angina, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and pulmonary embolism. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Myocardial enzyme testing is an important auxiliary diagnostic tool, but disease diagnosis should not be based solely on the results of myocardial enzyme testing.

Generally speaking, myocardial enzymes refer to a myocardial enzyme test. A myocardial enzyme test may detect diseases such as viral myocarditis, unstable angina pectoris, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and pulmonary artery embolism. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Viral Myocarditis

Viral myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium caused by viral infection. Patients may experience symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, nausea, and vomiting after viral infection. In the myocardial enzyme test, creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) levels in patients with viral myocarditis will significantly increase.

2. Unstable Angina Pectoris

Unstable angina pectoris is a type of acute coronary syndrome. Patients may experience symptoms such as chest pain and chest tightness, which may become more frequent or severe. In the myocardial enzyme test, unstable angina pectoris may present with mild to moderate elevation, especially increased levels of cardiac troponin I or T.

3. Heart Failure

Heart failure is a disease caused by reduced cardiac function, and patients may experience symptoms such as dyspnea and edema. In heart failure, decreased cardiac pumping function may lead to myocardial cell damage, thereby releasing myocardial enzymes into the bloodstream. Myocardial enzyme tests can reflect the extent of myocardial cell damage.

4. Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute myocardial infarction is myocardial necrosis caused by acute and persistent ischemia and hypoxia of the coronary arteries. Patients may experience severe chest pain, dyspnea, and other symptoms, and electrocardiogram (ECG) may show significant ST-segment changes. In the myocardial enzyme test, creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I or T levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction will markedly increase.

5. Pulmonary Artery Embolism

Pulmonary artery embolism refers to a clinical and pathophysiological syndrome caused by obstruction of the pulmonary artery or its branches by endogenous or exogenous emboli, leading to pulmonary circulation disorders. Patients may experience symptoms such as dyspnea, chest pain, and hemoptysis. In the myocardial enzyme test, pulmonary artery embolism may present with mild to moderate elevation, especially increased levels of cardiac troponin.

The myocardial enzyme test is an important auxiliary diagnostic method, but disease diagnosis should not rely solely on the results of myocardial enzyme testing. A comprehensive evaluation combining the patient's symptoms, medical history, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and other examinations is necessary to determine the type and severity of the disease.

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What does it mean when cardiac enzymes are elevated?

In general, elevated cardiac enzymes often indicate possible injury or necrosis of myocardial cells, or may reflect fluctuations in markers caused by damage to other tissues or organs. Myocardial cell injury is the primary cause of elevated cardiac enzymes. When the myocardium is damaged due to ischemia, inflammation, or other factors, cardiac enzymes inside the cells are released into the bloodstream, leading to increased levels. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, and palpitations.

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Which is more accurate, ECG or cardiac enzymes?

Under normal circumstances, there is no absolute "more accurate" between ECG and cardiac enzymes, as the two tests focus on different aspects and should be selected according to specific cardiac issues. ECG is more direct for detecting arrhythmia and myocardial ischemia, while cardiac enzymes are more diagnostically valuable for determining whether myocardial damage exists. At the same time, maintaining regular作息 (作息 translates to作息 habits or作息 routine), balanced diet, avoiding excessive fatigue and emotional excitement is also important.