Troponin-I Serum Test

Troponin I test is done to diagnose myocardial (heart muscle) injury, which may occur due to myocardial infarction and other causes

Troponin-I, Serum test is conducted to identify myocardial (heart muscle) injury, which can happen as a result of myocardial infarction and other factors.

Troponin I , including low levels

The Troponin-I Serum test measures the level of troponin-I in blood serum.

Troponin I test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

A blood sample is required for the test. An elastic tourniquet is securely fastened to the forearm. A fist is then requested from the patient. This makes it easier for the veins to fill with blood. Before inserting the needle, the skin is cleaned, and a vacutainer is used to collect the blood sample. A slight prick may be felt when the needle is inserted. Pain and bruising in the area if any are temporary and usually resolve with time.

High levels are seen in myocardial infarction. It is also a prognostic marker in patients with acute coronary syndrome and to identify the risk of future cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, ischaemic stroke, coronary revascularisation, and cardiovascular death in asymptomatic people.
Troponin I levels remain elevated till 5-9 days post myocardial injury, hence this test should not be used to evaluate a second injury before 9 days.
Troponin I levels may be elevated in diseases other than myocardial infarction i.e., heart failure, myocarditis, arrhythmias & other causes like chronic renal disease, pulmonary embolism

Myocardial infarction is associated with high levels of troponin-I. Acute coronary syndrome patients can use it as a prognostic indicator as well as to determine their risk of developing future cardiovascular conditions such as myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, ischemic stroke, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular mortality in asymptomatic individuals.

Since troponin I levels are elevated until 5 to 9 days after myocardial injury, this test should not be repeated to assess a heart attack before nine days have passed.

Troponin I levels may be increased by conditions such as heart failure, myocarditis, arrhythmias, chronic renal illness, and pulmonary embolism in addition to myocardial infarction.

Troponin values are within the usual range in healthy individuals. It is unlikely that you are having a cardiac arrest if you have had chest pain but your troponin levels are still minimal or regular 12 hours after the symptoms first appeared

Proteins called troponins are present in the heart muscles. Whenever the heart is harmed, troponin is released into the blood. Patients who have experienced an acute myocardial infarction have high levels of the cardiac marker troponin-I. A troponin test can speed up the treatment process and allow doctors to choose the optimal course of action.

If you have tightness in your chest or other heart attack symptoms, your doctor may suggest you obtain this test. Other symptoms that might entail this test include,

• Discomfort in the neck, arms, back, or jaw.
• Extreme sweating.
• Lightheadedness.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Shortness of breath and exhaustion.

The Troponin-I, Serum test should be administered if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

There is no special preparation needed before a troponin test. Receiving a blood test carries very little risk.

Troponin levels are expressed as nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) readings. Approximately 0 to 0.4 ng/mL constitutes the normal range of troponin-I.

Troponin levels can rise within 3 to 4 hours after the heart has been damaged, and can stay elevated for up to 9 days.

Troponin T (TnT) and troponin I (TnI) are the two forms of cardiac troponin. Both are reliable indicators of heart damage.

Myocardial infarction is a condition where the blood flow to the coronary artery of the heart decreases or stops leading to damage to the heart muscles.

Your doctor would advise you to get this test if you have chest discomfort or other heart attack symptoms like:

• Neck, back, arm, or jaw discomfort
• Severe perspiration
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Weariness and shortness of breath

Your healthcare provider may prescribe additional tests to assess your health. These may include:

1. Additional blood tests check for coagulation markers, inflammatory markers, or levels of cardiac enzymes.
2. Blood testing to diagnose other illnesses.
3. X-ray of the chest.
4. Ultrasonography of the heart.
5. Echocardiography.
6. CT scan.

• Cardiac troponin I (cTnI)
• Cardiac troponin (cTN)
• Cardiac-specific troponin I