Purpose of review: Acute cardiac conditions such as acute myocardial infarction and heart failure are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Rapid diagnosis allows risk stratification and initiation of treatment in a timely manner. Numerous novel biomarkers have been identified to predict outcomes. These may assist in tailoring of appropriate therapy to high-risk patients.
Recent findings: This study reviews several novel biomarkers - galectin-3, ST2 and copeptin. The scope of this review is to identify and underline the clinical aspects of these emerging biomarkers.
Summary: Galectin-3 is an active biomarker found in inflammatory and fibrotic processes, and is a marker of mortality. ST2 is released by stressed cardiac myocytes and also predicts mortality in heart failure and myocardial infarction. Copeptin is a stable arginine vasopressin precursor associated with increased risk of heart failure. It may also be useful to exclude acute myocardial infarction.