Intermediate
Technical
IVT
cardiac biomarker
Laboratory marker that indicates myocardial injury, stress, or dysfunction in cardiovascular disease.
Full Definition
Cardiac biomarkers are measurable substances released into the bloodstream during myocardial injury, stress, or dysfunction. The most commonly used cardiac biomarkers include troponins (cTnI and cTnT) for myocardial necrosis, B-type natriuretic peptides (BNP and NT-proBNP) for heart failure, and creatine kinase-MB for acute myocardial infarction. High-sensitivity assays have improved the diagnostic accuracy and allow for earlier detection of myocardial injury.
Usage
Usage note: Specify which biomarker when discussing results; avoid generic term 'cardiac enzymes' which is outdated.
In Context
- "Serial cardiac biomarker measurements confirmed acute myocardial infarction despite normal initial troponin." — Emergency medicine consultation
- "The study protocol specified cardiac biomarker collection at 6, 12, and 24 hours post-presentation." — Clinical trial design
Also known as
cardiac marker
myocardial marker
Don't confuse with
inflammatory marker
coagulation marker