II. Epidemiology
- Test Sensitivity: 94% of Myocardial Infarctions
-
Test Specificity: Low (22% have Unstable Angina)
- See Troponin for false possible causes
III. Labs: Timing Following Acute Myocardial Infarction
- Serum levels increase within 4-8 hours of MI onset
- Serum levels peak at 12 to 48 hours
- Serum levels are elevated for 4-10 days after MI
IV. Advantages
- Highly sensitive for detecting Myocardial Infarction
- Level may also help to risk stratify afterward
- Qualitative test run in 10 minutes
V. Disadvantage
- Less specific than Troponin I
- Elevated in Unstable Angina
- Elevated in Chronic Renal Failure
- Levels stay elevated for days
- Unable to time acute coronary event