Among the following biochemical markers of acute myocardial infarction, which one appears in blood EARLIEST after coronary occlusion?
- A Cardiac troponin I
- B CK-MB mass
- C Myoglobin ✓
- D LDH-1
Explanation
Myoglobin, a small cytoplasmic heme protein of about 17 kDa, leaks rapidly through damaged sarcolemma and becomes detectable in serum within 1 to 3 hours of symptom onset, earlier than CK-MB at 4 to 6 hours or troponin at 3 to 6 hours. Its usefulness is limited by poor cardiac specificity because skeletal muscle injury and renal failure also raise it, and by rapid renal clearance within about 24 hours. LDH-1 rises last, peaking around 3 to 4 days.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.