Heart enzymes

[Robin]

I have posted here before and appreciate the site. I have idiopathic DCM EF 46 and arrythmias. Most of the arrithmias no longer bother me since I have changed meds and have been put on higher doses. I am currenly taking monopril, atenolol, asprin, lasix as needed and xanax as needed. I do still have some "attacks" that send me to the ER. The last one I had, I couldnt quite get over it and was instructed by cardio. nurse to go to ER 21 hrs post the onset of symptoms which included; waves of light headedness, near faint spells, palps and arrythmias, tension in chest traveling to left shoulder, arm and jaw that turned into dull ache. I was feeling better but still faint feeling wouldnt go away and my arm was achey (achy) off and on. I went to ER 21 hrs post onset. When my blood test came back I was told that my heart enzymes were slightly above nornal and that I wasent expected to be released. The enzyme they mentioned started with a T, something like tenormone?? When my cardio came in he asked if I wanted to go home. I asked about the enzymes and he said not to be concerned. I know that the heart only puts out these enzymes when a cardiac "event" happens, like severe stress on the heart or MI. What I want to know is this; do people with cardiomyopathy have higher "normal" levels of the enzymes than people with no heart damage at all??? I realy have to find some answers to have peace of mind. The ER staff was shocked that I was leaving. I am concerned. Anything you can tell me about the enzyme levels would be greatly appreciated.Thanks for your time.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

The test you are referring to is called "troponin T".  You are correct that it is elevated when damage is done to the heart.  If it was only very mildly elevated it could be falsely positive. It may also be falsely elevated in patients with kidney disease.  It is not usually elevated in idopathic dilated cardiomyopthy.  Have you had a heart catheterization?

I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.

If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

[Pogo3460]

A related discussion, Heart Enzymes was started.