Association Between Minor Elevations of Creatine Kinase-MB Level and Mortality in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Without ST-Segment Elevation

Even a small increase in blood levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) may be an indication that a patient is having a heart attack. This compound is released from heart muscle when it is damaged and can be measured in blood samples. Researchers measured blood levels of CK-MB in 8,250 patients who came to a hospital with the symptoms of a heart attack. None had ST-segment elevation on their ECG, which is also a sign of heart attack. Mortality rates at 30 days and 6 months were greater in those with elevated CK-MB levels, even if the increase was small.