Which is more accurate, ECG or cardiac enzymes?

Generally speaking, there is no absolute "more accurate" between electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiac enzymes, as they focus on different aspects of testing and the choice depends on the specific cardiac issue. When checking for arrhythmias or myocardial ischemia, ECG is more direct; when determining the presence of myocardial damage, cardiac enzymes have greater diagnostic value. Detailed analysis is as follows:

An ECG primarily records the heart's electrical activity, rapidly reflecting whether the cardiac rhythm is normal and if there are issues such as myocardial ischemia or myocardial hypertrophy. For example, when symptoms such as chest tightness or palpitations occur, an ECG can immediately detect waveform changes indicating arrhythmia or myocardial ischemia. It is convenient to operate and provides immediate results, making it suitable for initial screening and emergency evaluations.

Cardiac enzymes are enzyme substances present within myocardial cells. When myocardial cells are damaged, these enzymes are released into the bloodstream. By measuring the concentration of cardiac enzymes in the blood, it is possible to determine the presence and extent of myocardial damage, which is especially important for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction. Even if the ECG does not show typical abnormalities, elevated cardiac enzyme levels may still indicate myocardial damage.

To maintain heart health in daily life, regular physical examinations are necessary. Based on individual symptoms, appropriate tests should be selected under professional guidance. At the same time, maintaining regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, avoiding excessive fatigue and emotional excitement, and reducing cardiac strain are all essential.