[Biological diagnosis of myocardial infarction]

The biochemical diagnosis of myocardial infarction is mainly based on assays of serum enzymes. The most commonly used markers are creatine kinase, lactic dehydrogenase and aspartate amino-transferase. They are useful to diagnose the infarction, determine its time of onset and evaluate its importance. Changes in concentration of these enzymes are measured during their release from cells, their diffusion and their elimination in order to establish their characteristic profile in the acute phase of the disease. The diagnostic value and contribution to the prognosis of these tests are detailed. Heart diseases other than myocardial infarction, and other diseases in which serum levels are raised are described. The other laboratory abnormalities associated with myocardial infarction are listed.