Emerging biomarkers for acute heart conditions

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.