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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a common cause of elevated cardiac enzyme levels in the blood?
A
Liver cirrhosis
B
Asthma attack
C
Dehydration
D
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: Elevated cardiac enzyme levels in the blood are typically associated with damage to heart muscle cells. These enzymes, such as troponin, are released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is injured.
Review the options: Liver cirrhosis, asthma attack, and dehydration are conditions that do not directly involve damage to heart muscle cells. Therefore, they are unlikely to cause elevated cardiac enzyme levels.
Focus on myocardial infarction: A myocardial infarction (heart attack) occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, leading to damage or death of heart muscle cells. This damage causes cardiac enzymes to be released into the bloodstream, making it a common cause of elevated levels.
Connect the concept: Cardiac enzymes, such as troponin, are biomarkers used in medical diagnostics to confirm heart muscle damage. Elevated levels are a key indicator of myocardial infarction.
Conclude: Based on the biological mechanism of enzyme release during heart muscle damage, myocardial infarction is the correct answer to the question.