What is the Troponin-I Test?

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Troponin-I Test used for?

One of the main uses of the Troponin-I Test is diagnosing heart attacks. In addition, the Troponin-I test is helpful to identify various cardiac disorders such as myocardial infarction, angina, extent and cause of heart injury. It can also explain the cause of skeletal myopathy associated with elevation of Troponin-T levels. 

Understanding the test results of the Troponin-I Test

The normal value of Troponin-I should be less than 40 ng/Liter. Any value above 40 ng/Liter indicates a probable heart attack and requires close monitoring. 

If you have angina pectoris, elevated Troponin-I test results indicate worsening of a pre-existing condition, which could accentuate a heart attack. Sepsis, kidney disease, cardiomyopathy, and myocarditis also increase Troponin-I levels.

Why do I need the Troponin-I Test?

You may require Troponin-I Test if you experience the below symptoms:

• Chest pain or chest pressure
• Fast heart rate
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Cold sweat
• Excessive fatigue
• Pain in the jaw, arm, and back

If you have stable angina, you need this test if you experience:

• Worsening of symptoms
• No effect of medications

What happens during the Troponin-I Test?

A Troponin-I Test requires drawing blood from your arm. The sample then undergoes high sensitivity testing. The lab personnel insert a needle in your vein to draw blood into the specialized test tubes following sterilization of the area during the test. You might feel mild to moderate pain without any major side effects. 

What are normal Troponin-I levels?

Any value above 40 ng/Litre of Troponin-I in your blood is abnormal. In a few individuals, the standard value could vary to a small extent due to hereditary factors. Normal Troponin-I levels also vary depending upon sex and age. 

What is the difference between Troponin and Troponin-I?

Troponin is a complex protein composed of 3 subtypes, troponin C, I, and T, to regulate the contraction of cardiac muscles. Troponin-I is the specific subtype of troponin protein that inhibits muscle contraction, pulls the muscle fibres, and acts as a marker in identifying heart attack and other conditions.  

Can the Troponin Test detect heart blockage?

The Troponin Test measures the risk of heart attack and the extent of cardiac damage. It is also useful to detect coronary artery diseases such as heart blockages that could have caused an injury to the heart muscle or blood vessels. 

In addition, an echocardiogram or electrocardiogram and imaging tests could be necessary to ascertain the heart blockage. 

When should Troponin levels be checked?

Usually, your doctor would recommend undergoing a Troponin Test if you have a heart attack or are at risk. Even if you have chest pain or other heart attack symptoms, they may prescribe a Troponin Test for confirmation. 

The test is advisable for patients with stable angina to monitor the cardiac condition and detect the extent of cardiac injury.

Can anxiety cause Troponin levels to rise?

Usually, there is no direct relation between anxiety and elevated troponin levels. However, anxiety leads to an increase in heart rate, which can cause a heart attack in rare cases. Also, anxiety-related mental stress could indirectly elevate troponin levels that could indicate stress cardiomyopathy.

What if Troponin is negative?

A negative troponin test is not enough to rule out the possibility of heart conditions. 

People with negative troponin tests could still have heart failure symptoms or ischemic heart disease. Additional tests such as echocardiogram or electrocardiogram and imaging tests might be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

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