The article is a review of biochemical markers of myocardial damage which are now widely used in clinical biochemistry. Current laboratory methods for the assessment of myocardial damage in the course of acute coronary syndromms have been developed from the test assessing enzyme activity (CK, CK-MB), to determination of myocardial damage marker concentrations (e. g. CK-MBmass, myoglobin, and troponins). The study is also discussing the use of highly sensitive CRP and brain natriuretic peptide in diagnostic procedures of heart failure, and the prognostic significance of these parameters.

        Key words: cardiac markers, high sensitive CRP, creatine kinase, myoglobin, troponins.