Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase: a versatile cardiac biomarker for early detection of acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), commonly known as a heart attack, is characterized by the obstruction of a coronary artery, leading to myocardial necrosis. This occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked, resulting in tissue death. AMI is the primary cause of global morbidity, causing 17.5 million deaths annually. Each year, about 10% of individuals presenting with chest pain in emergency departments are diagnosed with AMI. Objective: To assess the relationship between serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) levels and clinical characteristics in AMI patients with no history of liver disease. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months in the cardiology department, involving 120 AMI patients. It included patients aged ≥18 years without prior liver disease. SGOT levels were measured within 24 h of admission, with concentrations >40 U/L considered abnormal. Results: Of the 120 participants, 50.8% had elevated SGOT levels (≥40 U/L) and were aged ≥50 years, with males comprising 61.7%. Elevated SGOT levels were significantly associated with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; P = 0.033), hypertension ( P = 0.032), and diabetes mellitus ( P = 0.043). No significant associations were found for gender or ischemic heart disease. STEMI was predominant in patients with elevated SGOT, indicating more severe myocardial damage. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of elevated SGOT levels as an indicator of more severe myocardial damage and highlight their potential role as a biomarker for myocardial injury in AMI patients. Multicentre and longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these findings and assess SGOT’s role in cardiac risk stratification and treatment planning.