Cardiac Marker Test
Interpreting
Cardiac Health with
Cardiac
Marker Test
A cardiac marker
test is an important diagnostic test that measures specific substances in the
blood known as the cardiac markers and is primarily used to assess the heart
health through a series of measurements of heart muscle function and potential
damage. These markers provide detailed insight into heart function by screening
for and examining any potential damage or stress to heart muscle. Cardiac
markers are typically proteins that are released into the bloodstream when the
heart muscle undergoes stress or injury. These markers, along with other
diagnostic tools, helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions and
determine the appropriate route of treatment for the underlying cause.
Overview of the Key Factors of the Cardiac Marker
Test:
Some of the Components of the Cardiac Marker Test:
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): LDH enzyme is found in various muscles in the body including the
heart. It’s elevated levels indicate damage to the heart muscle.
Troponins: Troponin I and
Troponin T are the most accurate and specific markers for damage to heart
muscle. Their elevated levels indicate a recent heart muscle injury such as a
heart attack.
CK-MB Index: Creatinine
Kinase-MB Index compares levels of CK-MB to CK and differentiates the cardiac
muscle damage from other sources of elevated CK.
BNP (B-Type Natriuretic Peptide): This is released by the heart in response to heart failure or
excessive stretching of the heart muscle cells. It’s elevated levels are
indicative of heart failure.
Several other
components such as Myoglobin, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Aspartate
Aminotransferase (AST), are measured in the cardiac marker test to assess the
health of the heart and determine heart muscle damage in a timely manner.
Procedure:
●
Patients may be advised to cast
a few hours before the test for better and accurate results.
●
The healthcare provider will
ask for patients history and will provide information about the test.
●
During the procedure, the
phlebotomist will clean the area from where the blood is to be collected with
rubbing alcohol or antiseptic swab and sterilize it.
●
A trained phlebotomist will
collect a blood sample from the vein in the arm of the patient.
●
The healthcare provider will
insert a needle into the vein to draw the blood.
●
The blood is then collected
into tubes lined with specific anticoagulants to make sure the blood sample is
properly stored.
●
The sample will be then sent to
laboratory for further analysis through procedures such as immunoassays and
enzymatic assays to quantify the cardiac markers.
●
The results of this test will
then be discussed by the healthcare provider with the patient to determine
appropriate course of treatment if needed.
Benefits:
●
Helps in early detection of
heart muscle damage
●
Provides accurate diagnosis of
heart attacks and other cardiac and non-cardiac symptoms to aid in precise
diagnosis
●
Helps in determining risk of
heart failure and heart attacks and determining the appropriate treatment
options
●
Helps in regular monitoring of
treatment response and progression of heart disease
●
Helps in reducing mortality and
morbidity by enabling timely intervention
Patients must
follow instructions given by the healthcare provider regarding fasting or other
measures before the test to ensure accurate analysis. Patients must inform the
healthcare provider of their medical history, including ongoing medications or
supplements, recent surgery or medical procedures, and other underlying
conditions. Patients must refrain from undergoing strenuous physical activity
before the test as it can add to the stress to the heart. Patients must inform
their healthcare provider if they are pregnant as cardiac markers are elevated
during pregnancy. Patients must also inform their healthcare providers if they
are allergic to anything to avoid any complication during the blood sample
collection. It is important for the patients to stay relaxed during the
procedure as it can help in accurately measuring the levels of cardiac markers.
