Clinical Significance and Diagnostic Applications of Serum Enzymes

Cardiac Enzymes: Troponins, CK-MB, and LDH in Myocardial Infarction Diagnosis

Serum enzymes play a crucial role in diagnosing various medical conditions, particularly cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction (MI).

Cardiac Enzymes in MI Diagnosis

Myocardial infarction results from an obstruction in the coronary arteries, leading to ischemic damage in cardiac tissue. The following enzymes aid in its diagnosis:

• Troponins (cTnI and cTnT): Highly specific biomarkers indicating myocardial injury.
• Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB): Elevates shortly after MI onset, serving as a useful early marker.
• Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): Though less specific, LDH isoforms help in assessing myocardial necrosis.

Diagnostic Applications

Cardiac enzymes are used in:

• Early detection of myocardial infarction.
• Assessment of infarction severity.
• Monitoring patient recovery post-MI.

Clinical Significance

Analyzing serum enzyme levels is essential for timely intervention and improved patient prognosis.