After an acute myocardial infarction, which enzyme is the first to become elevated?

Prepare for the BOC Clinical Chemistry Test with our comprehensive quiz. Study with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your readiness and confidence for the exam!

Multiple Choice

After an acute myocardial infarction, which enzyme is the first to become elevated?

Explanation:
When heart-muscle cells are damaged in an acute myocardial infarction, enzymes leak into the bloodstream. The first to rise among the options is the CK enzyme, specifically the CK-MB isoenzyme, which is enriched in cardiac tissue. This early appearance reflects how quickly CK-MB leaks from injured cardiomyocytes after membrane disruption. CK-MB becomes detectable about 3–6 hours after onset, peaks around 24 hours, and returns to baseline within a couple of days. The other enzymes (LD, AST) rise later as injury progresses, and ALT is not a reliable marker for myocardial injury. So, the earliest elevated marker after MI is CK-MB.

When heart-muscle cells are damaged in an acute myocardial infarction, enzymes leak into the bloodstream. The first to rise among the options is the CK enzyme, specifically the CK-MB isoenzyme, which is enriched in cardiac tissue. This early appearance reflects how quickly CK-MB leaks from injured cardiomyocytes after membrane disruption. CK-MB becomes detectable about 3–6 hours after onset, peaks around 24 hours, and returns to baseline within a couple of days. The other enzymes (LD, AST) rise later as injury progresses, and ALT is not a reliable marker for myocardial injury. So, the earliest elevated marker after MI is CK-MB.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy