Serum zinc and copper in myocardial infarction with particular reference to prognosis.

Serum copper and zinc estimations in humans were made to find their diagnostic and prognostic value in cases of myocardial infarction. Following infarction, there was an increase in serum copper levels from the first 24 h up to the 7th day, with gradual decline that did not reach the normal value up to the 14th day. The serum zinc levels declined in the first 24 h until the 4th day and increased to the normal value on the 14th day. It is concluded that, for diagnosis of myocardial infarction, serum zinc levels are more useful during the first week and copper levels in the second week after the onset of infarction.