Why are troponins elevated

Troponin abnormality is set at the 99th percentile in the healthy population. As troponin tests have become more and more sensitive, the absolute cutoff value for "abnormal" troponin has become lower and lower. This is a brief article that reviews the physiology and kinetics of troponin release and clearance, and emphasizes the need for serial troponin testing and evaluating the results in proper clinical context.

Although in 1, words the authors don't really get you out of all or maybe any of the dilemmas of interpreting high troponin levels, it's a good update and it's free full text. After 12 hours, almost everyone who has had a heart attack will have raised levels. Troponin levels may remain high for 1 to 2 weeks after a heart attack. Increased troponin levels may also result from certain medical procedures such as:. Anderson JL. ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction and complications of myocardial infarction.

Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; chap PMID: www. Approach to the patient with chest pain. Third universal definition of myocardial infarction: update, caveats, differential diagnoses. Cleve Clin J Med. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Call for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. If your results show normal troponin levels for 12 hours after chest pain has started, it's unlikely that your symptoms were caused by a heart attack. If even a small level of troponin is found in your blood, it may mean there is some damage to your heart.

If high levels of troponin are found in one or more tests over time, it probably means you had a heart attack. Other reasons for higher than normal troponin levels include:. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

New studies show that a new type of troponin blood test may be able to identify people who are at greater risk for heart attacks before they even have symptoms. The test is able to detect very small amounts of troponin. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Troponin Test.

What is a troponin test? What is it used for? Why do I need a troponin test? These symptoms include: Chest pain or discomfort Pain in other parts of the body, including your arm, back, jaw, or neck Trouble breathing Nausea and vomiting Fatigue Dizziness Sweating If you have symptoms of a heart attack, call immediately.

What happens during a troponin test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? You don't need any special preparations for a troponin test. Are there any risks to the test?