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Cardiac Markers

What is it?

Cardiac markers are blood tests that tell about your heart. The markers may include enzymes (n-zimes), isoenzymes, isoforms and muscle proteins. Enzymes are proteins in your body that speed chemical and biologic reactions. Isoenzymes and isoforms are related to enzymes. Muscle proteins include myoglobin (mi-o-glo-bun) and troponin (tro-poh-nin). When you have damage to your heart these enzymes and proteins get into the blood stream. An increase of the heart markers is one way your caregivers tell if you had a heart attack.

Why do I need it?

If you have chest pain, your caregiver may order these tests. The results of these tests can help caregivers tell if the pain is caused by a heart attack. Each cardiac enzyme, isoenzyme, isoform, and muscle protein has a specific time when it will rise above normal. They also have specific times when they reach their highest point and return to normal. The pattern of these changes helps caregivers find out if you had a heart attack. This pattern also helps them find out how much of the heart was damaged.

How do I get ready for the test?


How is the specimen collected?


What do I do after the test?

You may remove the tape and cotton in about 20 to 30 minutes. Your caregiver will explain what your test results mean for you. Follow the instructions of your caregiver.

Care Agreement
