What are “Cardiac Markers”?
Cardiac biomarkers are substances that are released into the blood when the heart is damaged or stressed, and are used to evaluate heart functions. Measurements of these biomarkers are used to help early diagnose of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and cardiac ischemia, conditions associated with insufficient blood flow to the heart. Although they are often discussed in the context of myocardial infarction (MI), other conditions can lead to an elevation in cardiac marker level.
What are the types of “Cardiac Risk Makers”?
A Cardiac Risk Marker Test refers to multiple blood tests that measures the level of cardiac biomarkers such as proteins, hormones, and enzymes in the blood. These cardiac biomarkers can be used to diagnose a heart attack:
- Cardiac troponin – This protein is by far the most commonly used biomarker. It has the highest known sensitivity. It enters into your bloodstream soon after a heart attack. It also stays in your bloodstream days after all other biomarkers go back to normal levels. Two forms of troponin may be measured: troponin T and troponin I. Troponin I is highly specific to the heart and stays higher longer than creatinine kinase-MB. Current guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) say this is the best biomarker for finding a heart attack. The AHA says to limit use of the other biomarkers. These include CK, CK-MB, and myoglobin.
- Creatinine kinase (CK) – This enzyme can also be measured several times over a 24-hour period. It will often at least double if you’ve had a heart attack. But because levels of CK can go up in many other conditions besides a heart attack, it is not very specific.
- CK-MB – This is a subtype of CK. It is more sensitive for finding heart damage from a heart attack. CK-MB rises 4 to 6 hours after a heart attack. But it is generally back to normal in a day or two. Because of this, it’s not helpful when a healthcare provider is trying to figure out if your recent chest pain was a heart attack.
- Myoglobin. This is a small protein that stores oxygen. It is measured occasionally. Myoglobin is sometimes measured in addition to troponin to help diagnose a heart attack. It is also not very specific for finding a heart attack.
- NT-proBNP – N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing is useful for diagnosing acute decompensated heart failure. Whether NT-proBNP can be used to detect ventricular dysfunction in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) and no history of heart failure is unknown.
- LDH – LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) is a type of protein, known as an enzyme. LDH plays an important role in making your body’s energy. It is found in almost all the body’s tissues, including those in the blood, heart, kidneys, brain, and lungs. When these tissues are damaged, they release LDH into the bloodstream or other body fluids. An LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test measures the amount of LDH in your blood or other body fluid to check for tissue damage. While it’s normal to have some LDH in your blood or body fluids, when tissues in your body experience damage or injury, they release excess LDH into your bloodstream or other body fluids.
- Hs-CRP – High levels of Hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) may mean you have a serious health condition that causes inflammation. Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting your tissues and helping them heal from an injury, infection, or other disease. Inflammation can be acute (sudden) and temporary. This type of inflammation is usually helpful.
- Homocysteine – Homocysteine is a type of amino acid. Your body naturally makes it. But at high levels, it can damage the lining of arteries. It can encourage blood clotting. This may raise your risk for coronary artery disease, heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes.
Why test Cardiac Risk Markers?
This test measures the levels of cardiac biomarkers in your blood. These markers include enzymes, hormones, and proteins. Cardiac biomarkers show up in your blood after your heart has been under severe stress and becomes injured because it isn’t getting enough oxygen. This might be because you’ve had a heart attack.
Cardiac biomarkers are of great importance in the timely, accurate diagnosis and management of acute coronary syndrome as well as the prognosis. Diagnosis in the golden period which is of utmost importance to institute therapy at the earliest and possibly reverse the myocardial damage.
- To analyze if a person has the chance of getting cardiovascular events such as heart attack or heart stroke as low, moderate, or high.
- To rule-out if a person has false positive or false negative cardiovascular events.
- To monitor effectiveness of treatment related with cardiovascular diseases.
Symptoms for Cardiac Risk Makers:
- Sweating with weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Clammy or Pale Skin
- Fainting or dizziness
- Irregular pulse rate
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue
- Chest pain or pressure in chest
- Discomfort or pain in the neck, arms, shoulder and jaw
- Chest pain that doesn’t heal even after taking rest or nitroglycerine
Who has to undergo Cardio Risk Marker test?
A person with the following signs and symptoms may require to undergo Cardiac Risk Markers Test,
- Blood Pressure (bp) > 140 systolic or 90 diastolic
- Abnormal Echo-Cardiogram (ECG)
- Diabetes
- Elevated levels on at least two Thyroid Stimulating Hormones (TSH) Tests
- Body Mass Index (BMI) > = 35kg/m2
- High Blood Cholesterol
- Habitual Smoking