Which cardiac marker derived from neutrophils predicts an increased risk for myocardial infarction?

Myeloperoxidase is a cardiac marker derived from neutrophils that has been implicated in predicting the risk of myocardial infarction. It is an enzyme that is released during the inflammatory response and is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in coronary artery disease. Elevated levels of myeloperoxidase in the bloodstream can indicate ongoing tissue injury and inflammation, which are critical factors in the development of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction. Studies have shown that higher concentrations of this enzyme correlate with an increased likelihood of acute coronary events, making its measurement a valuable tool in risk stratification for heart disease.

C-reactive protein, while also an inflammatory marker, is produced by the liver in response to inflammation and does not originate specifically from neutrophils. Troponin is a well-established cardiac marker specific to heart muscle injury, primarily indicating myocardial necrosis rather than an increased risk for future events per se. B-type natriuretic peptide is a marker of heart failure and is not specifically related to myocardial infarction risk. Thus, myeloperoxidase stands out among these markers for its direct association with neutrophilic inflammation and its role in predicting myocardial infarction risk.