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Cardiac Biomarkers (troponin/BNP) — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Troponin = MI; BNP = HF

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Physiological Adaptation 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Cardiac Biomarkers (troponin/BNP) on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Troponin

Key facts

Normal < 0.04 ng/mL
↑ = myocardial injury/MI
Rises 3-4h, peaks 12h

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Bnp

Key facts

Normal < 100 pg/mL
↑ = heart failure, fluid overload
>400 strongly suggests HF

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Ck-Mb

Key facts

Cardiac-specific CK fraction
Rises 4-6h, peaks 18h

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Report

Notify / act now

↑Troponin + chest pain → STEMI
Serial troponins q3-6h

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Quick Tip

Troponin is the gold standard for diagnosing myocardial infarction because it is highly cardiac-specific.

📖 Related Topics

Hypokalemia Hyperkalemia Hyponatremia Heart Failure

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