CARDIAC ENZYMES;
TROPONIN; CK - MB

Enzymes are proteins that tell the cells of the body how to perform certain functions. The enzymes that make heart muscle cells work properly are called Cardiac Enzymes(cardiac is the medical term for heart). They can be measured by simple blood test.

When the heart muscle is damaged, cardiac enzymes are released into the bloodstream from the damaged cells. This will cause a rise in the number of cardiac enzymes. Heart Attack or Myocardial Infarction is an important cause for elevated Cardiac Enzymes. Cardiac enzymes will rise if the heart muscle is damaged for reasons other than myocardial infarction.

The two enzymes that are measured most frequently are Cardiac Troponin and CK-MB. CK-MB is more likely than tropnin to become elevated for reasons other heart muscle damage.

Last Reviewed: October 23, 2014