A cardiac enzyme test is a blood test that measures the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in the blood. These enzymes are released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged or under stress. By measuring the levels of these enzymes, doctors can determine if the heart has been damaged and how severe the damage may be. The test is commonly used to diagnose heart attacks and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for heart disease. The results of the test can help doctors determine the best course of treatment for the individual patient.

What are the 3 cardiac enzymes?

The three main cardiac enzymes that are commonly measured in a cardiac enzyme test are troponin, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Troponin is a protein found in heart muscle cells, and its levels increase in the blood when the heart is damaged. Creatine kinase is an enzyme that is found in several tissues in the body, including the heart. Its levels also increase in the blood when the heart is damaged. Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that is involved in the production of energy in the body. Its levels can also increase in the blood when the heart is damaged. By measuring the levels of these enzymes in the blood, doctors can determine if the heart has been damaged and how severe the damage may be.

What are the most common cardiac enzymes?

The most common cardiac enzymes that are measured in a cardiac enzyme test are troponin and creatine kinase (CK). Troponin is a protein found in heart muscle cells, and its levels increase in the blood when the heart is damaged. Creatine kinase is an enzyme that is found in several tissues in the body, including the heart. Its levels also increase in the blood when the heart is damaged. By measuring the levels of these enzymes in the blood, doctors can determine if the heart has been damaged and how severe the damage may be. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is another enzyme that is commonly measured in a cardiac enzyme test. LDH levels can increase in the blood when the heart is damaged, but it is not as specific for heart muscle damage as troponin and CK.

When are cardiac enzymes tested?

Cardiac enzymes are typically tested when a person is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. The test can help doctors determine if the person is having a heart attack and how severe the heart attack may be. In addition to being used to diagnose heart attacks, cardiac enzyme tests may also be ordered to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for heart disease, to evaluate the risk of future heart attacks, or to determine the cause of chest pain or other symptoms that may be related to heart disease. Cardiac enzyme tests may also be ordered as part of a routine health evaluation in people who are at high risk for heart disease.