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The dilemma of the creatine kinase cardiospecific iso-enzyme (CK-MB) in marathon runners


T. H. Diamond
R. Smith
A. P. Goldman
D. P. Myburgh
J.M. Bloch
F Visser

Abstract

Serum creatine kinase iso-enzyme (CK-MB) levels were measured in 51 marathon runners before and after a 50 km marathon event. Ninety-five per cent of the runners were found to have pathologically elevated values, i.e. CK-MB concentrations were elevated to the range normally considered indicative of myocardial necrosis. Results indicate that a rise in theCK-MB level is common after marathon running. We therefore believe that cardiac enzymes are an unreliable indicator of myocardial infarction in patients who experience chest pain following strenuous muscular exercise.


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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574