Health Information
Cardiac Enzyme Studies
Test Overview
Cardiac enzyme studies measure the levels of enzymes and proteins that are linked with injury of the heart muscle. These include the Reference enzymes Opens New Window creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and creatine kinase (CK), and the proteins troponin I (TnI) and troponin T (TnT). Low levels of these enzymes and proteins are normally found in your blood, but if your heart muscle is injured, such as from a Reference heart attack Opens New Window, the enzymes and proteins leak out of damaged heart muscle cells, and their levels in the bloodstream rise.
Because some of these enzymes and proteins are also found in other body tissues, their levels in the blood may rise when those other tissues are damaged. Cardiac enzyme studies must always be compared with your symptoms, your physical examination findings, and Reference electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) Opens New Window results.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference August 5, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Reference George Philippides, MD - Cardiology |
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