Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
11:12
Induction of Myocardial Infarction in Adult Zebrafish Using Cryoinjury
Published on: April 18, 2012
Plasma zinc after myocardial infarction
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|June 1, 1978
Summary
Plasma zinc levels significantly drop within 48 hours of myocardial infarction, potentially indicating cardiac arrhythmia risk. Albumin levels also decrease, but the zinc drop is not solely due to albumin changes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemia can impact patient biochemistry.
- Diurnal variations in plasma levels are common in both healthy individuals and patients.
- Understanding biochemical changes post-MI is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate diurnal variations in plasma zinc and albumin levels in patients with myocardial infarction or ischemia.
- To determine the temporal relationship between plasma zinc/albumin levels and cardiac events.
- To assess if changes in plasma albumin explain the observed changes in plasma zinc.
Main Methods:
- Serial measurement of plasma zinc and albumin levels over eight consecutive days.
- Inclusion of control subjects for comparison.
- Monitoring patients experiencing chest pain due to myocardial infarction or ischemia.
Main Results:
- Both plasma zinc and albumin exhibit substantial diurnal variation in patients and controls.
- Plasma zinc levels decrease after myocardial infarction, reaching a nadir on day 2 and normalizing by day 8.
- Low plasma zinc levels within 48 hours of MI may predict serious cardiac arrhythmias; plasma albumin falls progressively, lowest on day 8.
Conclusions:
- Plasma zinc levels show a distinct early decrease following myocardial infarction, independent of albumin levels.
- The early drop in plasma zinc is a potential early marker for cardiac complications.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind zinc level changes post-MI.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...