Blood tests called heart damage markers, or cardiac enzymes, detect injury to the heart muscle by displaying an increase in normal levels. The blood test most commonly used called creatine kinase, or CK for short, confirms the existence of heart muscle damage. Certain conditions cause an elevation of cardiac enzymes, and early diagnosis of the problem results in better treatment.
Malignant Hypertension
Malignant hypertension occurs as a result of a sudden and rapid development of extremely high blood pressure. It causes an elevation in cardiac enzymes because the heart muscle is damaged from the extreme rise in blood pressure.The disorder affects one percent of individuals with high blood pressure, including children and adults, but more commonly affects younger adults, especially African-American men. Pregnant women who experience toxemia, and individuals with kidney disorders and vascular disorders have an increased risk for developing malignant hypertension. The signs and symptoms of the condition present during a physical examination include an extremely high blood pressure, swelling in the lower legs and feet, abnormal heart sounds along with fluid in the lungs, and changes in mental status, sensation, muscle ability, and reflexes. Prompt treatment of the disorder usually results in less damage upon the heart and other organs, which produces a better outcome without permanent complications. If not treated promptly, severe and life-threatening complications can ensue.
Heart Attack
The blood test most commonly used to confirm the existence of heart muscle damage is the CK. A small fraction of the CK enzyme, CK-MB, is often measured as well. CK-MB shows an increase above normal in a person's blood test about six hours after the start of a heart attack, notes the American Heart Association. The enzyme reaches its peak level in about 18 hours, and returns to normal in 24 to 36 hours. A large heart attack often causes a delay in the cardiac enzyme levels, and the levels don't peak and return back to normal as usually expected, but the levels do increase.
Cardiogenic Shock
Cardiogenic shock occurs as a result of extreme damage done to the heart, whereby the heart can't supply enough blood to the organs of the body. The condition stems from serious complications of the heart, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, and the complications include a heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, a tearing or rupture of the heart muscles or wall, and a section of the heart that quits working or doesn't work properly. Cardiogenic shock causes elevated cardiac enzymes as a result of the extensive damage brought upon the heart. Symptoms of the condition include a low blood pressure, a drop in blood pressure upon standing and a weak, thready pulse.
Member Comments