PATHOPHARM CH. 17: Diagnostics for Cardiovascular Disorders

sherpaths

types of cardiac biomarkers

troponin, CK-MB, BNP-B

troponin

• key lab test for MI

• protein found in cardiac muscle that released when the muscle is damaged.

• HIGH TROPONIN LEVELS = MI

• normally, troponin is undetectable in blood

• evaluating chest pain → draw 3 troponin levels q8h. needs 3 negatives to r/o MI

CK-MB

• elevated level indicates MI

• only remains elevated 48-72 hours after MI

cardiac biomarker overview

• useful only during acute period of MI

• Pts with NO biomarker elevation → unstable angina

  • Pts with elevation → STEMI or NSTEMI

BNP-B (brain natriuretic peptide)

• hormone released from ventricles when damaged

• increased in acute and chronic CHF

• more useful for HF than for MI itself

tests for septicemia

• blood cultures: identifies microorganisms that cause septicemia

  • organisms in blood attach to endocardium and infect heart valves → inflammation that interferes with valves opening and closing

  • once microorganism identified → Pt receives appropriate antimicrobial drugs to eradicate infection

tests for CHD

• lipid profile testing: assesses Pt’s risk of developing CHD

COMPONENTS

• cholesterol: turns into plaque that builds up in artieries

• triglycerides: thicken artery walls

• LDLs: brings cholesterol from liver → cells. major factor in atherosclerosis

• HDLs: transport cholesterol from cells → liver, where they r broken down and excreted

All lipid levels should be low EXCEPT HDLs