Heart (cardiac) marker blood tests

What does the Cardiac Markers measure?

This group measures markers such as troponin, CK-MB, NT-proBNP, hs-CRP and homocysteine.

Why is the Cardiac Markers ordered?

They are ordered in urgent heart assessments and to understand longer-term cardiovascular risk.

Tests in this panel

Each test links to its own page with named reference-range sources.

Sources: [AHA/CDC] [ESC] [European Heart Journal] [American Heart Association] [AHA/ACC] [IFCC] [NACB]

• hs-CRPhs-CRP is a high-sensitivity measurement of C-reactive protein, a substance the liver releases into blood during inflammation. The sensitive method detects the very small amounts that relate to blood-vessel health.
• HomocysteineHomocysteine is an amino acid formed as a by-product when cells break down the protein-derived compound methionine. Folate, vitamin B6, and B12 normally convert it onward, so your level reflects those vitamins and inherited enzymes.
• Troponin ITroponin I is a regulatory protein embedded in the contracting fibres of cardiac muscle. When those muscle cells are injured, the protein spills into the bloodstream, and the test measures that release.
• CPK (CK Total)Creatine kinase, an enzyme, recharges energy inside muscle, heart, and brain cells. When those cells break down, it escapes into blood, and the test measures the total amount present.
• CK-MBCK-MB is the heart form of creatine kinase, found mainly in heart muscle. It helps tell heart muscle injury apart from other muscle injury.
• LDHLactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme found inside almost all cells. It leaks into the blood after cells are damaged.
• NT-proBNPNT-proBNP is an inactive piece released when the heart's pumping chambers are stretched. This happens with extra wall stress or fluid load.
• BNPBNP is a hormone released mainly by the heart's pumping chambers when they are stretched. It helps the body shed salt and relax blood vessels.
• MyoglobinMyoglobin is a protein that holds oxygen in heart and other muscle cells. It is released quickly into the blood after muscle is hurt.
• High-Sensitivity Troponin TThis test measures a heart protein called troponin T. It reads much lower levels than older tests, so small changes show up earlier.

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Cardiac Markers?

This group measures markers such as troponin, CK-MB, NT-proBNP, hs-CRP and homocysteine. It typically reports 10 results: hs-CRP, Homocysteine, Troponin I, CPK (CK Total), CK-MB, LDH, NT-proBNP, BNP, and more.

Why is the Cardiac Markers ordered?

They are ordered in urgent heart assessments and to understand longer-term cardiovascular risk.

How should the Cardiac Markers be read as a whole?

No single value tells the full story — the results are read together, and each value is compared against the reference range printed on your own report, which can vary by lab, method and equipment.

Do the reference ranges in the Cardiac Markers vary between labs?

Yes. Ranges depend on the laboratory's equipment and method, so the range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result. Each test page names the standards body behind its range.