Role of cardiac markers in evaluation of suspected myocardial infarction

ABSTRACT

Current cardiac marker for evaluation of suspected myocardial infarction include CK-MB, myoglobin, CK-MB isoforms and troponins, recommended use for each marker vary according to its cardiac specificity, sensitivity, ease of measurements, turn around time for test results and diagnostic and prognostic uses. CK-MB is an effective marker for reinfarction because it return to normal level within 48 hours after the initial episode. Myoglobin is less specific and sensitive and its pattern of response to infarction is widely variable. CK-MB isoform are good indicator of early stage infarction but technical problems can affect the precision of test result. Because troponin levels remain elevated after onset of chest pain they are good marker for late stage infarction. No single panel consisting of CK-MB and troponin assays is recommended