The use of cardiac markers in acute coronary syndromes.

Abstract

Cardiac markers can be used effectively for diagnosing, triaging, treating and monitoring of patients with acute coronary syndromes. Therefore, in accord with the recommendation of the NACB and IFCC, the use of myoglobin and troponins, especially troponin T (TnT) because of the broader data base, are well-suited to fulfil the needs of management of acute coronary syndromes. The present paper reviews recent data to evaluate their relevance, especially in deciding the treatment of patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes. Furthermore, economic studies show that the use of even the more expensive diagnostics is associated with tremendous cost savings due to more efficient patient management. The use of cardiac markers therefore represents a valuable tool in the management of these patients. The best combination is that of myoglobin with troponin.