Before we dig deep into and understand more about the Cardiac Enzyme blood test and its values. Let us take a little view of what these Cardiac Enzymes are. Cardiac Enzymes which are otherwise called Cardiac Biomarkers include Myoglobin, Troponin, and Creatine Kinase. Earlier, Lactate Dehydrogenase otherwise known as LDH was also considered but is not specific. These Biomarkers help the doctor to see the history of any heart attacks that the patient might have. Troponin T is the main biomarker that’s measured during the Cardiac Enzyme Test.
What Are The Causes Of Heart Attack?
Heart attack which is also known as myocardial infarction has many causes behind. A heart attack is caused when the blood that flows to the heart is obstructed, mostly by the fat or cholesterol, or anything else as such that in turn forms a plaque in the arteries that pump blood to the heart.
The more common or risk making causes of Coronary heart attack include, but not limited to;
- Smoking
- Diabetic
- Hypertension
- Inactive routine
- Thrombosis
- High blood cholesterol levels
- Overweight
What Are The Symptoms Of Heart Attack?
Not every heart attack patient suffers or experiences similar symptoms. There are also those cases where the patient shows no symptoms. Few of the common symptoms include;
- Pressure, pain or inconvenience in the chest or arms or shoulders
- Breathing difficulty
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Who And When To Pay A Visit To The Doctor Or Be Alerted?
It’s always safe to be precautionary and as well act immediately before it turns too late. Some people either end up their lives or lead a severe stage due to the long wait or unable to recognize or pay attention to the symptoms. With that said here are a couple of steps that can be followed;
- Don’t hesitate to dial for emergency medical assistance or ask someone to drive to the nearest medical support possible.
- If advised by your doctor, take nitroglycerin.
- Aspirin can also be taken if suggested as it controls blood clots and prevents your heart from any further severe damage.
What Is Cardiac Enzyme Testing?
Cardiac Enzyme Testing is a test carried out by doctors to understand if the patient is having or has had a heart attack before. This test is also done in cases where patients have heart arteries blockage symptoms like pain in the chest, fatigue, feeling tired, breathing difficulty, etc. This test is more like any other blood test.
Why Is Cardiac Enzyme Testing Done?
Cardiac Enzyme Blood Test is usually carried out by Doctors in 2 situations: one is to check if the patient had any heart attacks before or is having a heart attack right at the moment and the other is if there are any symptoms of blockages in arteries of the heart. Post heart attack, these enzymes level rises abnormally because of the damage of a muscle due to overstress on the heart. So, checking the count of these enzymes is highly considered to perceive if something severe is happening.
Cardiac Enzyme Test Procedure
This test is like a blood test and is prescribed usually in emergency situations of a suspected heart attack. The individual on whom this test is carried out need not fast or take any preparations unless and until if specified by the doctor. It is as always suggested to pre-inform the doctor of any medications if followed before the lab test.
Any medical lab technician will collect a sample of blood with a syringe and send this sample to the corresponding lab for further analysis of the cardiac enzymes.
Cardiac Enzyme Test Results
The result of the Cardiac test mainly shows the measure of different enzymes and proteins like the Troponin. Troponin is actually very low in the blood and is undetectable in blood tests. But, when a heart attack or injury to the heart occurs, then the level of Troponin increases. Usually, Troponin is measured in ng/ml. The higher the value of Troponin the more is the probability of a heart attack.
Cardiac Enzyme Test Normal Values
Troponin levels may result normally if measured immediately after the heart attack. In such cases, doctors suggest a Cardiac Enzyme Test again after many hours.
Causes Of High And Low Results
At times the values of the Cardiac Enzyme Blood Test may rise or go down. The causes of such irregular values may be Sepsis, atrial fibrillation, certain heart conditions like cardiomyopathy, valvular heart problems, injuries, etc. It is because of this reason; doctors instead of just relying on the Cardiac enzyme test for heart attack will also consider using an electrocardiogram.
With the changing lifestyle, a heart attack has no exception in terms of age, gender, or body size. All that said, apart from the Cardiac Enzyme Test your doctor may also suggest for a physical exam and then it’s your doctors’ final call about what to be followed in terms of the medication, diet to be followed, physical activities to be done, etc, for a healthy heart and avoid any future risks.
Sudheendra is a passionate blogger for 8 years and holds a Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. His writings particularly focus on health, medicine, diet & lifestyle. For him, everything that interlinks and relates to health & medical world entices him. His write-ups aim at educating people not by just giving facts but by infusing human touch.
