Biochemical markers of acute myocardial infarction

A number of biomarkers have been used to aid in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), in the risk stratification of patients and for predicting events after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Some of these biomarkers are widely used in clinical practice while others still have no scientific evidence to support their clinical use. Objectives: To analyze the clinical significance of the various biochemical markers for AMI, alone or in combined use, seeking a description according to the source, behavior in the evolution of the disease, including validation, diagnostic limitations, and clinical significance in different contexts. Methods: We performed a literature review using the PubMed database, including original articles and reviews on the use of biomarkers for AMI. The search was limited to articles written in English, published in the last five years. Results: 90 articles were accessed, 57 of which were excluded. Of the 32 selected studies, 14 were randomized and controlled. After judicious analysis, several biomarkers were described: troponin, creatine kinase-MB fraction, myoglobin, H-FABP, BNP and its inactive N-terminal fragment, ANP, copeptin, growth/differentiation factor-15, interleu