Position of Laboratory Medicine (Biochemistry) in the Diagnosis of CoronaryAttacks from the Aspect of Non-invasive Cardiologists. The Author’s Experience with LaboratoryDiagnosis and Follow-up of Coronary Attacks

Overview

Biochemical evidence and ruling out of myocardial necrosis along with clinical and ECG findingsare the basic guidelines for decisions on further procedures in patients with chest pain. In apatient with obvious cardiac clinical symptoms and ECG changes admission to the coronaryunit is unequivocal, in practice however many more patients are encountered where the findingsare controversial. Then laboratory findings are an essential guide. Not only a high sensitivityand specificity but also promptness of the test are required.The „gold standard“ of modern biochemical diagnosis of myocardial necrosis is according tocontemporary views examination of CK-MB, CK-MB mass and troponin (T or I) and possiblyassessment of myoglobin. In a brief reviews the basiccharacteristics of laboratory markers isgiven with emphasis on the practical aspect of interpretation of results.

Key words:
myocardium - marker of necrosis - acute infarction.