The physician requests that the cardiac biomarkers be tested over time. Which of the following is the expected pattern that may be present in Helen’s samples?

Question

Both cardiac troponin I and creatine phosphokinase myocardial band peak within 30 minutes of myocardial infarction.
Cardiac troponin I and creatine phosphokinase myocardial band will present with an inverse relationship. As one factor elevates, the other factor decreases.
Cardiac troponin I elevates within the first 4 to 8 hours after onset of chest pain.
Cardiac biomarkers return to baseline within hours of the onset of chest p

Answer 1

In the context of myocardial infarction (MI), the expected pattern for cardiac biomarkers is as follows:

• Cardiac troponin I elevates within the first 4 to 8 hours after onset of chest pain.

Troponin levels generally rise within this time frame and can remain elevated for days to weeks, indicating ongoing myocardial injury. In contrast, creatine phosphokinase myocardial band (CK-MB) levels typically rise within 4 to 6 hours after myocardial injury and peak around 24 hours, but they begin to return to baseline within 2 to 3 days.

So, the correct statement regarding the expected pattern for Helen’s samples would be:

Cardiac troponin I elevates within the first 4 to 8 hours after onset of chest pain.

The other options presented either provide incorrect timing or relationships regarding these biomarkers.