Cardiac Enzyme Analysis- A Common Heart Test

What is the Cardiac Enzyme Analysis Test?

A cardiac enzyme test is an essential tool physicians use to check if you have a heart attack. You might also need to take the test If you have any obstruction in heart arteries and feeling other symptoms like:

Chest pain or strain

Lightheadedness

Exhaustion or feeling tired

Difficulty in breathing

Waking up in sweats and feeling cold

Levels of Cardiac Enzyme

Cardiac enzymes are also termed cardiac biomarkers. It includes three types which are myoglobin, troponin, and creatine. It is one of the most crucial tests in determining damage to heart tissues after a heart attack or any medical condition.

A doctor, after the test results, could assess the severity level of the disease. It also helps physicians determine the course of treatment. Standard cardiac enzyme analysis value may vary, but it includes Creatine kinase MB, 0-4 ng/mL. Troponin level is 0-0.4 ng/mL.

1.Myoglobin

Myoglobin presence in the bloodstream is not a sign of anything profound to heart muscle tissues. Because skeletal tissues have myoglobin, this evaluation is not related to MIs. The main thing about myoglobin is that you can see its visibility within half an hour of the medical injury.

2.Troponin

Troponin comes in two types: I and T. They are released in the bloodstream after 4-5 hours of myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction leads to the release of enzymes within 3 to 4 hours. These enzymes are visible in the bloodstream for 5-10 days.

3.Creatine kinase (CK)

It occurs in the form of isoenzyme. Creatine kinase is also known as phosphokinase. The MB is relevant to cardiovascular cells, while other MM and BB types relate to the brain and bones' tissues. The creatine kinase level rises in the blood after 2-3 hours of myocardial infarction. During the time frame of 4 to 10 days after the initial attack, this makes it an excellent tool to track heart tissue damages.

What Do My Test Results Mean?

Test results do not depend upon one factor. It will vary considering your medical history, your genetic makeup, existing medical conditions, and the technique utilized to conduct the test. Do not try to self-examine the test results. Consult your physicians to find out what test results indicate.

Nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) is the unit used to measure cardiac enzyme tests. Healthy people do not have high cardiac troponin levels in the bloodstream. Troponin different levels should indicate other cardiac activity. The higher concentration of these enzymes could indicate a heart problem and sometimes show a severe medical condition.

How is This Test Done?

The cardiac Enzyme analysis test takes place by measuring the number of harmful enzymes in your bloodstream. Blood is taken from your arms or hands. So, it is a blood test.

Risk Factors Associated with The Test?

The blood test does not cause any severe health risks, but a needle insertion may cause bruising, bleeding, and dizziness. The needle can also make your arm sore for some time. But the pain will vanish after a few hours.

Precautionary Measures before Conducting the Test

You do not need to prepare for the test. You need to tell your physicians about the medical details of past conditions and tell him about the medications, food supplements, or diet you are taking. If you are taking any illegal substances, you must notify your doctor about it. Aside from it, you do not need any medical preparation.

Other Reasons for High Cardiac Enzyme Analysis

The level of the cardiac enzyme may arise due to some other factors as well, which include:

High blood pressure

Physical exertion

Heart failure

Damage to heart muscles

Irregular heartbeat

Insufficient blood supply to the heart

Takeaway

Heart attack is always sudden and could be life-threatening. A high cardiac enzyme ratio in heart enzyme tests could mean that you need immediate medical treatment. It is always a good idea to discuss with your physicians about the treatment options and test results.

But elevated enzyme levels do not always mean that you are suffering from heart problems. Sometimes there are other factors as well that could raise the levels of these enzymes. Aside from this test, CT scans, chest X-rays, ECG, or EKG are also helpful in diagnosing heart ailments. Doctors will ask you to make lifestyle changes to improve your heart health and ensure the body's proper functioning.