What is the Troponin Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is a troponin test?
It measures the amount of troponin (a protein) present in the blood.
Also Read: CRP
What is troponin?
It is a type of protein present in the heart muscles. It isn’t present in the blood normally. In case of any damage to the muscles, this protein can appear in the blood. There are two types of troponins that are detected in the blood after damage to heart muscles:
- Troponin I (cTnI)
- Troponin L (cTnL)
Troponin I (cTnI): This protein is specific to heart muscles.
Troponin L (cTnL): This protein is present in other muscles of the body also but in limited amounts. Troponin L in heart muscles also varies in structure as compared to other body parts.
They are usually found in a higher amount in blood within 3-12 hours of a heart attack and at peak after 24 hours. They remain increased in the blood for several days after a heart attack.
What is it used for?
This test is used to:
- Diagnose the heart attack
- Monitor angina – a condition that limits blood flow to the heart (as it may also lead to heart attack)
- Monitor the troponin levels in a patient after a heart attack. It is repeated after every 3-4 hours.
Why should I get it done?
Any kind of heart damage can increase your troponin levels in the bloodstream. If you’re having symptoms of a heart attack or any of the following symptoms, you should get it done:
- Chest pain
- Discomfort or heaviness
- Pain in your arm radiating to the back, neck, or jaw
- Trouble breathing – shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heartburn
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Feeling lightheaded
What does it mean to have a high troponin level in the blood?
If there is a small amount of troponin in your blood after 12 hours of chest pain, it indicates there is some heart damage.
If the troponin levels are found high in the blood in two or more tests, it means you had a heart attack.
Other possibilities causing high troponin levels can be:
- Congestive heart disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Pulmonary embolism
- Heart surgery
- Any valvular disease
- Arrhythmia
- Sepsis
- Any emotional stress or grief
If the troponin levels are normal after 12 hours of chest pain, it wasn’t because of any heart damage.
