What laboratory tests are used to diagnose myocardial infarction?

The primary blood biomarkers for myocardial infarction (MI) include cardiac enzymes (e.g., creatine kinase), cardiac troponins, and myoglobin. These are often complemented by electrocardiography (ECG); the presence of pathological Q waves on ECG may suggest MI. Coronary angiography is considered the gold standard for definitive diagnosis of MI—it precisely identifies the location of myocardial infarction and, during the same procedure, allows for percutaneous coronary intervention (e.g., stent placement) to promptly restore myocardial blood supply.