What is high-sensitivity troponin?

Full answer

Cardiac troponin I and T are structural proteins specific to heart muscle. High-sensitivity assays detect very low concentrations and have transformed acute myocardial infarction evaluation by enabling rapid rule-in and rule-out protocols. Beyond acute infarction, chronic low-level elevations can occur with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, sepsis, and prolonged endurance exercise. Troponin is not a wellness marker; it is interpreted within acute cardiac evaluation and requires clinical context.

Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.