Serum copper, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and potassium changes following acute myocardial infarction.

When analyzed within seventy-two hours of admission to the coronary care unit, the mean values of serum copper and magnesium were lower in patients with acute myocardial infarction than in noncardiac patients. Zinc values showed no difference. Because the reduction of serum copper in males was statistically significant, the authors suggest that a lowering of serum copper, especially in males, can be useful in the diagnosis of recent infarction and could possibly have other implications. Significant elevations of serum calcium and of serum potassium were also demonstrated.