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Question:
How do Emzmes effect the heart?


Replies:
When heart damage is suspected, such as a myocardial infarction, the doctor orders blood tests, some of which are called cardiac enzymes. They consist of LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) CK (creatine phosphokinase) and AST, formerly SGOT (I forget!). These enzymes catalyze reactions that help heart muscle contract and to get energy to the muscle. LDH is found in almost all tissue cells and when tissue is damaged it leaks into the serum. When heart tissue is damaged the level may rise up to 10 times normal, but 6-8 times normal is most common. The same holds true for the other enzymes. An increased level indicates tissue damage.

Van Hoeck


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