Chest pain laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Serial troponins and CK-MB should be ordered. Additional laboratory tests include serum electrolytes, a complete blood count, renal function tests, and liver function tests.

Laboratory Findings

On the basis of the above, a number of tests may be ordered:

Cardiac Markers

• Troponin I or T are now cardiac marker of choice and are preferred over creatine kinase.
• No one marker gives accurate diagnosis so commonly two markers are used for instance Troponin I or T with creatine kinase (and CK-MB fraction in many hospitals)

Blood Tests

• D-dimer (when suspicion for pulmonary embolism, aortic dissection)
• Complete blood count
• Electrolytes
• Renal function (creatinine)
• Liver function tests