Cardiac biomarkers
Blood-based molecules that are released during myocardial injury and used for diagnosis and risk stratification of acute coronary syndromes.
Full Definition
Cardiac biomarkers are measurable substances in the blood that indicate myocardial cell damage or stress and are essential tools in the diagnosis and management of acute coronary syndromes. The most commonly used biomarkers include troponins (both troponin I and troponin T), which are highly sensitive and specific for myocardial injury, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP), which indicate ventricular dysfunction or heart failure. Other biomarkers include creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), though this has largely been superseded by troponins. The timing of biomarker elevation, peak levels, and duration of elevation provide important diagnostic and prognostic information. Serial measurements are often required to establish the diagnosis and monitor treatment response.
Usage
Usage note: The term 'cardiac enzymes' is outdated and should be replaced with 'cardiac biomarkers' in contemporary usage.
In Context
- "Serial cardiac biomarkers showed a rising troponin pattern consistent with acute myocardial infarction." — Emergency department documentation
- "The patient's cardiac biomarkers remained negative despite ongoing chest pain, suggesting non-cardiac etiology." — Hospital progress note