Cardiac marker
Cardiac marker
A Cardiac marker (pronunciation: /kɑːrˈdiːæk ˈmɑːrkər/) is a biomarker measured to evaluate heart function. They are often discussed in the context of myocardial infarction, but other conditions can lead to an elevation in cardiac marker level. Most of the early markers identified have been proteins, but more recent efforts have identified RNA sequences, microRNAs, and metabolites that can be used as markers.
Etymology
The term "Cardiac marker" is derived from the English words "cardiac" meaning "related to the heart" and "marker" meaning "an indicator".
Types of Cardiac Markers
There are several types of cardiac markers, including:
- Troponin: This is a protein found in heart muscle cells that is released when they are damaged. It is the most sensitive and specific test for myocardial damage.
- Creatine kinase (CK): This enzyme, specifically the MB fraction, is also released during heart muscle damage.
- Myoglobin: This is a small protein released from damaged heart or skeletal muscle. It rises and falls earlier than troponin and CK-MB.
- Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP): This is released by the heart in response to excessive stretching of heart muscle cells.
Related Terms
- Myocardial infarction: Commonly known as a heart attack, it is a medical emergency in which the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot.
- Biomarker: A measurable substance in an organism whose presence is indicative of some phenomenon such as disease, infection, or environmental exposure.
- Enzyme: A substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cardiac marker
- Wikipedia's article - Cardiac marker
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