Heart enzymes are proteins or chemicals that are released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged. They can be used to diagnose a variety of heart conditions, including heart attack. However, determining how effective these tests are in diagnosing heart damage is still unclear.
The cardiac enzyme test can be helpful in assessing heart damage after surgery or in an emergency situation. It is simple to perform and can give you an idea of what to expect. Your doctor will discuss the results with you. If your condition warrants it, you may be referred to a cardiovascular specialist for additional testing.
To perform the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from your arm. This blood will be used to measure the levels of several different cardiac enzymes. These include creatinine kinase (CK), myoglobin, and troponin. In addition to detecting high levels of enzymes, this test can help determine whether the heart is functioning properly.
The CK and myoglobin tests can be useful to help detect damage to the heart and determine whether you have a heart attack. Other tests may be ordered in addition to the CK and myoglobin tests, such as an echocardiogram, stress test, or electrocardiogram.
Cardiac enzymes are relatively easy to detect. A doctor will usually order a cardiac biomarker test when a patient experiences a specific symptom. Some examples of these symptoms include chest pain, discomfort, or increased inflammatory indices. When these symptoms appear, the doctor will likely recommend an enzyme test.
Although this test is relatively simple, it can be dangerous. There is a chance you could experience bruising or even infection at the insertion site. For this reason, you should inform the healthcare professional if you have an allergy to latex. You may also want to discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor.
In a typical heart enzyme test, your doctor will only need to draw a small amount of blood from your upper arm near your elbow. This is done using a thin needle. Because you will not be able to use your own vein, you will probably have a catheter placed in your arm. After your blood is drawn, a technician will fill small vials with your blood.
Your doctor will use these results to diagnose the problem and make an appropriate treatment plan. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or even surgery. As you wait for your results, your doctor may suggest certain supplements or a change in medication to manage your condition.
If you have had a heart attack, you may be concerned about your symptoms. Symptoms of myocardial ischemia may include chest pain or breathing difficulties. A cardiac enzymes test can help your physician diagnose your condition and provide you with advice on how to improve your health.
A heart enzymes test is usually performed in an emergency situation. But it is also possible to have one done after undergoing noncardiac surgery.
