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Enzyme tests measure proteins in the body to diagnose diseases in organs such as the pancreas, heart, pituitary, thyroid gland, and digestive tract. Tests include creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and troponin for heart attacks, amylase for pancreatic disease, and protease for immune system disorders. Peroxidase regulates blood pressure and body metabolism.
An enzyme test measures certain proteins in the body that are responsible for regulating chemical activity. Different enzymes perform different functions, depending on the organ that secretes them. Enzyme tests might reveal disease in the pancreas, heart, pituitary or thyroid gland, or digestive tract. A blood sample is taken to test enzyme levels and help doctors diagnose the disease.
Doctors could determine if a patient has suffered a heart attack through a creatine phosphokinase (CPK) enzyme test. This enzyme also appears in the brain and muscles, but a specific assessment of CPK levels could rule out or confirm a heart attack. A CPK enzyme test typically occurs in tandem with an EKG in an emergency room.
CPK levels rise within three to six hours after a heart attack. The concentration of the enzyme typically peaks within 12 to 24 hours and returns to normal about 48 hours later. Even when an EKG registers in the normal range, high CPK levels could indicate that a heart attack has occurred.
Some doctors also do a troponin enzyme test when a heart attack is suspected. This protein can remain elevated for up to three weeks after a heart attack and indicates the amount of damage to the organ. Troponin levels rise when a heart attack occurs, and this enzyme test can be used to predict future heart attacks. Doctors also evaluate troponin levels to see if medical treatments are working.
An amylase enzyme test could indicate pancreatic disease when levels rise. Amylase is also produced in the salivary glands, which helps break down carbohydrates through the mouth, intestines, and stomach. A test might be performed when a patient complains of stomach pain, in order to reveal injury or malfunction of the pancreas.
These blood tests could indicate a blocked pancreatic or bile duct, perforated ulcer, salivary gland disease, or pancreatic cancer. Low amylase levels may be present if you have chronic cirrhosis, hepatitis, or long-term pancreatic disease. Alcohol and some medications, including aspirin and birth control pills, could affect the amylase enzyme test.
A protease enzyme test measures how the body digests proteins. Abnormal levels could indicate osteoporosis or arthritis. This enzyme also regulates some functions of the immune system and the levels of antibodies released. Too much protease could hinder the functioning of the immune system and indicate an autoimmune system disorder. One sign that this may be present is when sores or lesions heal slowly.
Peroxidase is released by the thyroid gland to produce hormones. Regulates blood pressure and body metabolism. The adrenal glands and pituitary also release enzymes that can be tested for disease.
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