Cardiac enzymes
Cardiac Enzymes
Cardiac enzymes (/kɑːrˈdiːæk ˈɛnzaɪmz/), also known as cardiac biomarkers, are proteins that are released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged. The term "cardiac enzymes" is derived from the Greek words "kardia" (heart) and "enzymos" (in yeast), reflecting their role in the heart's function.
Types of Cardiac Enzymes
There are several types of cardiac enzymes, including:
- Creatine Kinase (CK): This enzyme is found in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles. When these tissues are damaged, CK is released into the bloodstream.
- Troponin: This protein is part of the contractile apparatus of cardiac and skeletal muscles. When the heart muscle is damaged, troponin is released into the bloodstream.
- Myoglobin: This protein carries and stores oxygen in muscle cells. When muscle tissue, including the heart, is damaged, myoglobin is released into the bloodstream.
Clinical Significance
Cardiac enzymes are used in the diagnosis and management of various heart conditions, including:
- Myocardial Infarction: Also known as a heart attack, this condition occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. Elevated levels of cardiac enzymes, particularly troponin, are a key indicator of a heart attack.
- Angina Pectoris: This condition is characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. While angina does not typically cause a significant increase in cardiac enzymes, a sudden increase may indicate a transition to a heart attack.
- Cardiomyopathy: This is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. Elevated levels of cardiac enzymes can indicate damage to the heart muscle.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cardiac enzymes
- Wikipedia's article - Cardiac enzymes
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