Relevance of Cardiac Biomarkers For Diagnostics and Risk Stratification

Heart failure, in the simplest of terms, indicates that a problem with the ventricles is preventing the heart from filling and/or pumping correctly. It is the result of a complex mechanical and neurohumoral syndrome resulting in stasis (or slow movement) of blood in the lungs and peripheral tissues. It is estimated that over 26 million people worldwide are living with heart failure, and it is the number one cause of hospitalization in the United States (US) and Europe.

 

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of death worldwide, and they affect individuals from all backgrounds, incomes, and nations. Of the estimated 17 million deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease worldwide in 2015, the World Health Organization estimates that 7.4 million were due to coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease manifests most often in the form of acute coronary syndrome, the general term used to describe a myocardial infarction.

 

During an initial diagnostic workup for heart failure, a considerable amount of laboratory testing is performed. Renal and liver panels, lipid measurements, thyroid function tests, complete blood counts, and iron studies may be ordered to evaluate for underlying causes and comorbidities and also to assess the appropriateness of heart failure therapies. In addition, several circulating biomarkers are useful in the diagnosis and management of heart failure.

 

Cardiac biomarkers, specifically cardiac troponin, are essential for the identification of myocardial necrosis and infarction. However, advances in the measurements of cardiac troponins are changing how acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients are evaluated and risk-stratified. And new biomarkers are also emerging that, in the future, may have potential roles in diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of patients with ACS.

 

During this session Dr, Araiza will share some cases to show the relevance of cardiac biomarkers.

 

Learning Objectives