The myoglobin test is performed to determine the extent of this protein in the blood, with the aim of identifying muscle and heart damage. This protein is found in the heart muscle and other muscles of the body, providing oxygen for muscle contraction.
In this way, myoglobin is not normally present in the blood, being released only when there is a trauma to a muscle after a sports injury, for example, during a heart attack, where the levels of this protein increase in the blood 1 to 3 hours after the heart attack, it reaches its peak between 6 and 7 hours and returns to normal after 24 hours.
- For this reason.
- In healthy people the myoglobin test is negative.
- Only positive when there is a problem with certain muscles of the body.
Myoglobin is found in the muscles and is responsible for oxygen binding and storage until it is needed. Therefore, during physical activity, for example, the oxygen stored by myoglobin is released to generate energy. However, in any situation that compromises the muscles, myoglobin and other proteins can be released into the bloodstream.
Myoglobin is found in all striated muscles in the body, including the heart muscle, and is therefore also used as a marker of heart damage. In this way, the drug based on myoglobin in the blood is requested in case of spasm of muscle damage caused by the following factors:
It can even be used in the event of a heart attack, the current screening problem to confirm the diagnosis and the troponin test, which measures the presence of this protein that is only present in the heart; however, influenced by other muscle injuries. Know more about the troponin test.
Also, in case the presence of myoglobin in the blood is confirmed and has very high values, an original sample can even be taken to evaluate kidney health, very high levels of myoglobin could cause kidney damage, resulting in injury to the operation .
The main way to test for myoglobin is to take a blood sample; however, in many cases, the doctor may also request a urine sample, since myoglobin is filtered and eliminated by the kidneys.
For any of the exams it is necessary to do some kind of preparation, such as fasting, for example.
The normal result of the myoglobin test is negative or less than 0. 15 mcg / dL, although in normal situations myoglobin is not found in the blood, only in the muscles.
However, when certain values above 0. 15 mcg / dL indicate high myoglobin on the test, it usually indicates a problem with the heart or other muscles in the body; For this reason, the doctor may order more specific tests such as the ECG or cardiac markers to link it to a more specific diagnosis.
High myoglobin levels can also be a sign of other non-muscle problems, such as excessive alcohol consumption or kidney problems; therefore, the result should always be evaluated by a doctor, based on the clinical history of each person.