Cardiac Troponin T: A New Tool in the Risk Prediction Kit

A highly sensitive test may prove valuable in risk stratification of some individuals, but its role in treatment decisions remains undefined.

Elevated cardiac troponin levels are highly predictive of myocardial infarction in patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, whether detectable cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is associated with coronary events in apparently healthy populations is unclear. To find out more, investigators used a new, highly sensitive assay to assess the association between cTnT levels and incident coronary heart disease (CHD), mortality, and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) in 9698 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study participants (aged 54–74) with no history of CHD or stroke.

Measurable cTnT levels (≥0.003 µg/L) were present in two thirds of participants. In fully adjusted models, individuals with cTnT levels in the highest category (≥0.01…

Reviewing Author

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)