II. Epidemiology

  1. Test Sensitivity: 94% of Myocardial Infarctions
  2. Test Specificity: Low (22% have Unstable Angina)
    1. See Troponin for false possible causes

III. Labs: Timing Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

  1. Serum levels increase within 4-8 hours of MI onset
  2. Serum levels peak at 12 to 48 hours
  3. Serum levels are elevated for 4-10 days after MI

IV. Advantages

  1. Highly sensitive for detecting Myocardial Infarction
  2. Level may also help to risk stratify afterward
  3. Qualitative test run in 10 minutes

V. Disadvantage

  1. Less specific than Troponin I
    1. Elevated in Unstable Angina
    2. Elevated in Chronic Renal Failure
  2. Levels stay elevated for days
    1. Unable to time acute coronary event

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