Table 1

An overview of cardiac biomarkers in clinical use

BiomarkerPhysiologyClinical use
cTnTReleased from damaged cardiac myocytes in myocardial infarctionUsed in the investigation of suspected myocardial infarction
cTnIReleased from damaged cardiac myocytes in myocardial infarctionUsed in the investigation of suspected myocardial infarction
CRPAn acute phase protein released from the liverUsed as a biomarker of inflammation in a variety of clinical contexts
CK-MBReleased from damaged cardiac myocytes in myocardial infarctionUsed in the investigation of suspected myocardial infarction
BNPReleased in response to increased atrial pressureMarker of non-specific cardiac dysfunction, commonly used in the diagnosis of heart failure

  • BNP, brain natriuretic peptide; CK-MB, creatine kinase MB fraction; CRP, C reactive protein; cTnI, cardiac troponin I; cTnT, cardiac troponin T.